Eastcotts Care Home with Nursing

The provider did not ensure that all risks to people’s safety and wellbeing were identified and mitigated. Wardrobes had not been fixed to the wall and the risks in relation to portable radiators had not been fully considered. Fire safety had not been prioritised. Care plans were not always detailed or consistently followed.

Staff were not always effectively deployed, and we observed that staff were not always available in communal areas. Whilst some pre-employment checks were undertaken the systems were not fully robust and improvements were needed to how agency staff were checked and inducted.

Some audits were completed but governance systems were not effective at identifying or addressing areas for improvement. Learning was not always evident, for example they had not transferred learning from the shortfalls that had recently been highlighted with food safety systems to other areas such as health and safety. The provider responded positively once areas were highlighted.

There was a registered manager in post who was experienced, and most staff had worked at the home for a significant period. Regular staff meetings were held and staff told us that they were well supported and had access to regular training. Staff told us that they had undertaken training on safeguarding and were clear about their responsibility to report matters of concern.

The home was clean and tidy, and staff used personal protective equipment appropriately. There were systems in place to manage people’s medicines.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.