Archived: 128 Suez Road

• Is the service safe?

• Is the service effective?

• Is the service caring?

• Is the service responsive?

• Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

One person we spoke with told us that they felt safe and that they liked the staff. There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of people who lived at the home. The management of medicines had improved since our last inspection so that people were given their medicines safely. Assessments of any potential risks to people had been carried out and measures put in place to reduce the risks. This meant that people were protected from the risk of harm. People were also protected from the risk of abuse as staff demonstrated that they had received appropriate training and were clear about their responsibilities to recognise and report any concerns.

Is the service effective?

People we spoke with told us, and our observations confirmed that people were happy living at 128 Suez Road. Most of the staff had worked at the home for a long time and those we spoke with told us they enjoyed their job. One said, “I’ve worked here a long time. I really love it here.” It was clear from our observations and from our conversations with staff and the acting manager that staff knew people’s needs well. Support plans gave staff detailed guidance about the ways in which each person preferred to be supported.

Is the service caring?

We saw that people got on well with the staff, who treated them with kindness and respect. One of the staff we spoke with said, “Staff treat people with dignity. This shows in the way people are spoken to, listened to and given choices.” We saw that personal care was offered and delivered discreetly so that people’s privacy and dignity were respected.

Is the service responsive?

People’s needs were regularly re-assessed, both by the staff at the home and by people’s care managers during their six monthly care reviews. Support plans included people’s preferences and their likes and dislikes to ensure care and support were delivered in the way they wanted them to be. People participated in a range of activities of their choice, both at the home and in the local community. People were supported to maintain contact with friends and relatives.

Is the service well-led?

There was effective leadership in place, which ensured that people’s needs were met, they were kept safe and the service provided was of a high quality. One member of staff told us, “This is a very pleasant place to be. I’m very happy to work here.” Quality assurance systems were being further developed by the provider in order to ensure that all aspects of the service were monitored and improvements made where necessary.

We found that the provider was compliant with the regulations in all the areas we assessed. If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

People received the care and support they required to improve their health and well-being. Care records were written in detail and provided clear guidance to staff members and were regularly evaluated to ensure they were accurate. One person told us that they had seen and agreed with the care plan.

Medicines were stored appropriately and the majority of the records were maintained appropriately. However there were no audits of medication procedures, stock levels or records. The medication administration policy was due to be reviewed in July 2012 but was currently being reviewed and addressed the areas of concern we found during the inspection.

The service had a policy and procedure to guide people in how to make a complaint. One person told us they would talk to their keyworker if they wanted to make a complaint.

Staff told us they enjoyed their work and felt supported. However, some commented that they were short staffed, "We have maintained the solid foundations, but lost out on activities and one to one time".

We found that people's care plans and risk assessments were up to date. People's needs were regularly reviewed. The manager told us that plans were in place to strengthen people's involvement in the care planning process.