Sandtoft Care 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 good. At this assessment, the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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. There were clear systems in place to record, report and monitor accidents and incidents. These were reviewed regularly as part of the registered manager and provider audits. Any identified learning was discussed with the wider staff team through ad hoc meetings.
We were assured that appropriate action was taken to prevent the recurrence of incidents. Consideration was given to potential risks and how they could be mitigated for everyone living at Sandtoft Care Home.

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, one person had been admitted to hospital following a fall. The hospital requested information about the person, which was promptly shared.

Prior to people moving into the service, the registered manager completed detailed assessments to ensure Sandtoft Care Home could meet their needs. This information was used to develop care plans and risk assessments to guide staff on how to support people safely. One person said, "I recently moved in here from the hospital, the staff have taken time to get to know me and understand my needs. I'm very happy." A family member told us, "The home is lovely, we can visit any time, and dad is really well looked after" and, “We feel reassured that dad always has staff available to support his needs and ensure he is safe.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve this. 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 registered manager shared concerns quickly and appropriately.
Staff knew how to protect people from the risk of abuse or neglect. Staff received mandatory safeguarding training and felt confident raising concerns, knowing the registered manager would act to protect the person. Referrals were made to the local authority safeguarding team when abuse had been suspected.
People who lived in Sandtoft Care Home told us they felt safe. Comments included, "I have always felt safe while living here.” A relative told us, "Mum is safe, comfortable and well cared for.”
 

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care and support to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.
People’s care plans contained enough detail to enable staff to support them in their preferred way and to maintain their safety. Staff demonstrated a strong understanding of each person’s individual needs and were able to describe all relevant risks. During our assessment, we observed safe working practices throughout. People also had access to the equipment required to ensure they were supported safely.
Records were maintained for people who needed monitoring of their dietary and fluid intake. Delivery of personal care, including oral care, was consistently documented. For people who required regular checks to ensure their safety and well-being, these were completed and recorded.
 

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

The environment was safe and well-maintained. A range of health and safety checks were in place, including checks on equipment, water, fire, gas, and electricity.

The staff member responsible for these checks identified any potential risks and promptly reported them to the registered manager so they could be addressed without delay. Maintenance and housekeeping staff worked hard to ensure the environment was maintained

The provider ensured there were enough qualified, skilled, and experienced staff who received effective support, supervision, and development.

Staff worked together to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. The provider followed safe recruitment processes, and safe staffing levels were consistently maintained.

People received care from regular staff who understood their needs. There were enough staff on duty, and we observed that call bells were answered promptly.

People's comments included, "I always have my buzzer to hand, staff check before they leave me, and they come if I press it", "I have never waited very long if I pressed my buzzer" and "Staff check on me during the day and night.”

All new staff received an induction to the service and completed the training they needed to meet people's needs. People told us that the staff are well-trained. Comments included, "Staff seem well-trained and know what they are doing" and "Staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable.”

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.

The home was clean, tidy and well-maintained. There were ample supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and aprons, readily available for staff to use throughout the service when assisting people. People commented positively on the cleanliness of the home. Their comments included, ”They keep my room lovely and clean” and “It’s not the poshest home, but it’s clean and homely.”

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences.

People confirmed they received their medicines when needed, and they were happy with staff support. Their comments included, “Senior staff manage my medicines, and they are always on time”, “’Name’ is bringing my tablets as they are due now”, and “Medicines are brought by staff, I no longer have to worry about this, which means a lot to me.”

Records of administration were well-maintained and kept in-line with best practice. People’s care plans included detailed guidance about the level of support they required and their preferences. They also included any support required for the application of topical creams to people’s skin.

Protocols for ‘as required’ (PRN) medicines were in place, providing sufficient information to guide staff. One person told us, “If I need extra pain medicines, the staff get them for me.” Medicines were stored securely and only administered by staff who were suitably trained. Regular checks were conducted to ensure medicines were managed safely.