Archived: Brooklands Nursing Home

We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask; Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well-led?

This is a summary of what we found;

Is the service safe?

When we arrived at the service a member of staff checked our identification and asked us to sign in the visitor's book. This meant that the appropriate actions were taken to ensure that the people who used the service were protected from others who did not have the right to access their home.

People told us they felt safe living in the service. They also told us that they would feel able to speak up if they had concerns or worries and felt that they would be listened to.

Since our last inspection to the service in July 2013, we found that there had been a low incidence of safeguarding concerns raised by external agencies. We saw that all staff had received training in safeguarding of vulnerable adults from abuse. Records also showed that staff had received Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) training. This meant that staff were provided with the information that they needed to ensure that people were safeguarded.

We looked at the provider's arrangements for ensuring that the planning and delivery of care and, where appropriate, treatment met the needs of the people living in the service. We found that people's care needs were accurately recorded and included how risks were to be proactively managed. We observed that the care and support provided by staff met people's individual care needs.

We found that appropriate arrangements were in place to ensure that people who used the service were protected against the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medicines. Our evidence showed that people had their medicines at the times they needed them, and in a safe way.

Is the service effective?

Our observations and discussions with the manager demonstrated that people who used the service received regular support from a variety of health and social care services and professionals as their conditions and circumstances required.

Systems were in place to gain consent from the people who used the service. People's capacity to make day-to-day decisions had been formally assessed in most cases.

Is the service caring?

People told us that they received the care they needed. People living in the service told us that they were happy living at Brooklands Nursing Home. Our observations showed that care and support was provided in a timely manner. Comments included, "The staff are always happy and cheerful. They are lovely," "The staff make me laugh. Nothing is too much trouble," and, "I am more than happy with everything."

Our observations showed that staff interactions with people who used the service were positive and the atmosphere within the service was welcoming and calm. Staff demonstrated a genuine affection, warmth and compassion for the people they supported.

We found that a varied programme of activities was provided throughout the week for people who used the service. This meant that people were involved in meaningful daytime activities to meet their individual interests, needs and capabilities.

Is the service responsive?

People's preferences and diverse needs had been recorded in accordance with people's wishes.

Visitors confirmed that they were able to see people in private and that visiting times were flexible.

People told us that they knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy and/or had any concerns. We saw that where people had raised concerns appropriate action had been taken to address them.

Is the service well-led?

The provider was able to demonstrate that appropriate arrangements were in place to assess and monitor the quality of the service provided. The provider and manager were able to demonstrate that appropriate actions had been taken since our last inspection to the service in July 2013, to address outstanding regulatory requirements.

The views of the people who used the service and staff had been sought. People's views about the service were positive.

Each person was noted to have a care plan detailing their care needs and how they were to be supported by staff. Records showed that people who use the service were supported with their healthcare needs. We saw that staff arranged for people to be seen by their doctor and/or healthcare professional when they became unwell or their medical or mental health condition changed.

Whilst we acknowledge that there were a lot of positives, improvements were required in relation to ensuring that records relating to consent and treatment were robust; and that care planning ensured that people's needs were clearly recorded including any risks to their health and wellbeing. Improvements were also required to ensure that improvements were made in relation to responding appropriately to any allegation of abuse and complaints management ensured an effective and robust system. The provider must also ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for the recording and management of medicines.