Archived: Briarwood

We observed staff being person centred in their approach to people; they showed sensitivity to people's needs and preferences. We saw that care, treatment and support was centred on the individual. Staff told us that during induction training, the had completed training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and recognised the importance of the subject. They were confident that they would be able to recognise abuse or identify situations where there was a risk of abuse.

Staffing levels were reviewed in line with an assessment of risk, clients' needs and fluctuating occupancy levels.

We looked at examples of audits that had been undertaken. We saw evidence that there were established systems in place to ensure that the internal auditing of the service covered all areas.

People were not always protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records had not always been maintained. The provider had identified this matter and was taking steps to improve record keeping.

We found that care workers had received the appropriate training, in consent to care and treatment, understood their duties and supported people in their care. The people we spoke to were able to confirm that they had been asked about their views and their independence was respected and supported.

We looked at care plans and found some confusion. The people had care provided, in some cases, by care workers from other service providers. We found several care plans being kept for one person and this had led to confusion about care workers giving the correct personal care. The plans showed that risks had not always been assessed and managed. Care workers were not sure of what level of personal care they were allowed to give. The service had identified this and had started updating all the care plans transferring them to a new format, this process had not been fully completed.

Safeguarding training had been conducted and care workers showed good knowledge and understanding in processes relevant to them. People were aware of safeguarding and we found information was supplied in a way people could understand. One person told us 'nothing scares me'.

A recent service review showed that areas required significant improvement. Improvement action plans had been started, we were told additional staff had been recruited, but at the time of our visit not all had been implemented.