Pear Tree Court

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 72 (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 promoted a positive and proactive safety culture based on openness and honesty. Staff understood how to identify, report and investigate concerns, and learning from incidents was used to improve practice and maintain safe care.

Staff were clear about what constituted an incident and how to report it. The registered manager shared learning through team meetings, supervision and staff communications.

The registered manager received safety alerts from government bodies, the local authority and CQC. These were reviewed to identify emerging risks, themes and trends, enabling timely action to reduce potential risks.

The provider worked effectively with people and healthcare professionals to maintain safe systems of care and ensure continuity when people moved between services. Comprehensive admission assessments were completed and covered all relevant aspects of care.

A robust admissions process was in place. The registered manager described how people were assessed for suitability and compatibility before moving into the home. Wherever possible, people were supported to visit the service before admission.

The provider worked with people and partner agencies to understand what being safe meant to them and how best to achieve this. Staff promoted people's wellbeing while protecting them from abuse, discrimination, neglect and avoidable harm.

People consistently told us they felt safe living at the home. Staff understood safeguarding procedures and were confident in reporting concerns internally and externally. The registered manager followed local safeguarding processes and informed relevant agencies when concerns arose.

Restrictive practices were kept to a minimum. Where people were at risk of being deprived of their liberty, applications had been made to the local authority in line with legal requirements.

The provider supported people to understand and manage risks in a holistic way. Care was delivered safely while enabling people to maintain independence and participate in activities that were important to them.

Staff knew people well and involved them in developing their risk assessments. Positive risk-taking was encouraged, which supported people to remain independent wherever possible. Risk assessments covered areas such as choking risks and health conditions.

The registered manager told us, "Promoting independence and involving people in their care is something we have done really well." They provided an example of working collaboratively with a person, their family and healthcare professionals to identify the least restrictive option, significantly improving the person's quality of life while maintaining safety.

The provider identified and managed environmental risks effectively. Equipment, facilities and technology supported the safe delivery of care.

Environmental and fire safety risk assessments were completed regularly; alongside routine equipment checks and audits to ensure ongoing safety. Any concerns identified were escalated appropriately for action.

Staff regularly participated in fire evacuation drills to ensure they could support people safely in an emergency.

The provider employed sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and experienced staff and ensured staff received support, supervision and opportunities for development.

However, recruitment records did not always demonstrate that all required pre-employment checks had been completed. We found this had not negatively impacted people. We discussed this with the deputy manager, who confirmed measures were being introduced to strengthen processes and reduce risk.

Training records showed staff had completed statutory training and the providers mandatory training. Competency assessments were undertaken to ensure staff could meet people's individual needs safely and effectively. Staff also completed additional training relevant to the people they supported.

The provider generally assessed and managed infection risks effectively, taking action to prevent the spread of infection and reporting concerns appropriately.

Staff had sufficient access to cleaning materials and personal protective equipment (PPE). Cleaning schedules were consistently completed to a high standard. People and relatives told us the home was very clean, which we observed during the inspection.

However, some aspects of cleanliness within the kitchen required attention. For example, there was food debris on the floor under cupboards and units. This was discussed with the deputy manager, who took immediate action to address the issue and implemented additional monitoring measures to strengthen oversight.

The provider ensured medicines were managed safely and in line with people's needs, preferences and capacities. People were involved in planning their care and treatment, including when changes occurred.

Medicines were stored securely and temperature monitoring was completed appropriately. Medicines administration records were clear, accurate and up to date. Protocols for medicines prescribed on an 'as required' (PRN) basis were in place and provided staff with clear guidance to support safe and consistent administration.

Effective systems were in place for ordering, receiving and disposing of medicines. Staff received medicines training and competency assessments to ensure safe practice.

Regular medicines reviews were completed with GPs, supported by routine audits to identify areas for improvement and maintain safe systems.