Grace Lodge Nursing Home

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our last assessment we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to good.

This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

At our last inspection, we found the provider was in breach of regulation 12 (safe care and treatment), due to risks identified with the management of medicines. At this assessment

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. For example, events such as incidents and accidents were recorded in good detail and each one was analysed at the earliest opportunity to establish the root cause. Measures were put in place to help prevent further occurrences and lessons were learnt and shared with the staff team.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. For example, the provider obtained relevant information from other health and social care professionals about people’s needs and risks prior an admission into the home and following any stays in hospital. Information about people was kept up to date and shared with visiting professionals and community services to ensure safe and consistent care.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately. For example, staff received safeguarding training and regular updates. Staff were able to describe the different types and indicators of abuse and the reporting procedure. Allegations of abuse were referred onto the relevant agency in a timely way and records were maintained detailing the allegation and action taken.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. For example, risks to people’s health, safety and welfare were assessed and measures put in place with their involvement to minimise the risk of harm. This included the use of equipment such as sensor mats for people at high risk of falls and pressure relieving equipment for people at risk of skin breakdown. Risks to people were monitored in line with their risk management plan and kept under review.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. For example, regular safety checks were carried out on the environment, utilities and equipment and a record of outcomes was maintained. Areas of the home which posed a risk to people’s safety such as sluice rooms and cleaning stores were kept locked, and equipment was stored away safely when not in use. There was a current fire risk assessment and business continuity plan in place.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. For example, staff recruitment records evidenced a range of pre-employment checks were undertaken to ensure the fitness and suitability of new staff employed. Sufficient numbers and skill mix of staff were observed during our site visit and staffing rotas reviewed showed safe staffing levels were maintained. Staff told us they felt well supported on a day-to-day basis and through regular supervisions and appraisals.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. For example, staff completed infection prevention and control (IPC) training and had access to current IPC guidance. IPC audits were regularly completed to help detect and minimise the risk of the spread of infection. The home was visibly clean and hygienic and smelt pleasant throughout. There was a good stock of personal protective equipment (PPE), clinical and domestic waste bins located around the home. Staff were observed safely using and disposing of PPE.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened. For example, medicines were managed by staff who were suitably trained and competent. Medicines were safely stored, disposed of and administered. Medication administration records (MARs) detailed people’s prescribed medicines and instructions for use, including medicines prescribed to people to be given when required (PRN). MARs indicated people received their medicines at the right times and in the right way. Regular medicine audits were conducted and any discrepancies identified were actioned immediately.