Updated 5 April 2024
Date of assessment 12 April to 22 April 2024. We brought this assessment forward due to information we received that related to the safe care of people living at the service. During this assessment we identified 3 breaches in relation to the safe deployment of staff, the management of risks and the lack of robust oversight. Smallbrook Care Home is a residential home providing care to older people with physical and health related support needs, some of whom also live with dementia. The provider had not always ensured there were sufficient staff deployed to support people. As a result, people did not always have choices around their delivery of care. There was a lack of analysis of incidents of falls to look for overall themes and trends although each person’s care was reviewed after a fall. Risks assessments were not always detailed with guidance for staff. There were some elements of the service that were not clean however the majority of the service was clean and well maintained. However, staff were sufficiently trained and supervised staff to meet the needs of people. Robust recruitment practices were taking place. There was a lack of management and provider oversight to review some shortfalls of care to make improvements. There were staff that did not feel valued or supported whilst other staff did say they felt listened to knew they could raise concerns. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.