30 April 2019
During a routine inspection
People’s experience of using this service: The registered manager had been in place for four months and had gained a strong understanding of people’s needs and the processes and policies of the service. They were well supported by a dedicated team of staff, including experienced senior staff who deputised for them. Area management ensured the registered manager was accountable for maintaining good standards.
Where there was scope for improvement, the registered manager was receptive to feedback. Auditing processes for medicines administration were not always in line with established best practice. We have made a recommendation about this.
People and their relatives spoke highly of the registered manager, as did staff. Staff felt they were well-led and given direction.
Staff turnover was low and morale improved at the time of inspection after a time of managerial change.
Good community links were in place and people pursued interests and activities meaningful to them.
Records were accurate, up to date and person-centred. Staff shared information on a daily basis via a handover book and regular meetings.
Medicines administration was safe and staff had the appropriate skills and knowledge. People were kept safe and staff were suitably trained in safeguarding principles and practice.
People’s capacity was assumed and staff acted in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Appropriate training was in place for staff regarding this and other core areas, such as eating and drinking, mobility, first aid and dementia awareness.
The registered manager had acted on advice from external stakeholders to improve the service. Staff received formal and informal support from the registered manager.
The culture was positive, welcoming and open. People and their relatives were encouraged to raise any concerns and to play a part in the planning of care.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection: This is the first time we have inspected the service.
Why we inspected: We inspected the service in line with our scheduled programme of inspections.