Sea Bank House

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. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

When incidents or accidents had occurred, the registered manager discussed any action or outcomes with staff and people to ensure ongoing learning and reduce potential repeat of events. We discussed an issue with the registered manager in relation to health and safety during the assessment. The registered manager had immediately acted to mitigate the risk and ensure people were kept safe.

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.

We received positive feedback from people living at the home. People told us they had been supported when they went through the assessment process to be admitted safely. For example, comments included from people, “It was all different and we were anxious but from moving in they were all so supportive and kind it made the move easier.” Also “They made me feel welcome and that made me settle quickly.” The registered manager completed pre-admission assessments with people prior to their transition into Sea Bank House. Staff developed care plans with people and their families involved in the process to ensure accurate information was obtained.

The provider worked well with people and healthcare partners to fully understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff had a clear focus 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 always shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

The provider investigated any complaints or safeguarding concerns and understood the processes to follow should incidents occur. Staff knew how to report any safeguarding concerns and professional agencies to contact. One staff member said, “I feel confident what to look for and who to report any concerns.”

The provider always worked well with people to fully understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care that fully met people’s needs and was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

People told us they were supported to manage identified risks that they were comfortable with. For example, 1 person told us they were encouraged walk around the home with a walking aid to try and be as independent as possible. The person spoken to said, “I do feel good walking on my own, with the knowledge they are still there to help.”

The provider was fully aware of all potential risks in the care environment and controlled them well. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

Equipment to support people was available and maintained to meet people’s needs and support they required. Fire equipment, lifting equipment and electrical safety checks were completed as required by regulations.

People told us they felt safe living at Sea Bank House. People and relatives told us they felt the environment was well maintained. One relative said, “It’s an old building but always kept clean and tidy.”

The provider made sure there were always enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received thorough support, supervision and strong development opportunities. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

People and their relatives spoken with were happy with the staffing levels at the home. They also commented on the qualities of the staff. One person said, “We have very good people working here, nothing is to much trouble.” Also, a relative said, “There is always somebody about if you need them.”

Staff had regular supervision sessions with the registered manager. One staff member said, “Its good having the meeting with [registered manager.] It was useful and enabled them to discuss training, their performance, and any issues.”

The provider thoroughly assessed and managed the risk of infection. They always quickly detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and always shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

People and relatives were complimentary about the cleanliness of the home. One person told us, “For an old building they keep it spotless.”

Staff told us there was a plentiful supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Domestic staff were on duty every day and said they had enough cleaning products to keep the building clean and fresh.

The provider always made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff always involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

Staff had received training and were observed on a regular basis by the management team administering medicines. A staff member said, “Only when we have had competency training do we administer medicines.”

Audits carried out by the registered manager identified any discrepancies with medication systems in place. Medicines competencies were completed for staff, including night staff. We observed medicines being administered safely. The member of staff explained what they were doing, asked if people needed a pain killer where this was prescribed and was patient whilst doing this.