Layden Court Care Home

We assessed all quality statements for this key question.

At the last inspection we found breaches of regulation because the provider had failed to robustly assess the risks relating to the health, safety and welfare of people. Medicines were not managed safely and the provider had not ensured people were protected from the risk of abuse. Previously, there were not enough staff to support people safely and the provider had failed to ensure staff had the qualifications, competence and skills to support people safely. During this assessment we saw enough improvement had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulation.

People felt safe. The provider had systems in place to safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Care records had been improved, although there was room to include more detailed information. Staff knew people well. The provider's recruitment policy helped them recruit suitable staff. Overall, people received their medicines safely and there were improved systems to monitor the safety and cleanliness of the home.

Staff understood their responsibilities to report any concerns about people’s care. People commented positively about the staff and managers and overall, there were enough staff on duty to keep people safe. Staff received an induction when starting work in the home and further, ongoing training to make sure their skills were appropriate and up to date. People were supported to move safely into the service, having been assessed prior to admission.

During our visit some areas were identified for improvement, which had not been identified by the provider’s audit process. Following our visit the provider took appropriate action to address this. This is referred to in the Well-led section of this report.

We assessed all quality statements for this key question.

At the last inspection we found breaches of regulation because the provider's quality assurance systems and processes were not effective and had not enabled them to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service. We found enough improvement had been made during this assessment for the provider to have met the requirements of the previous Enforcement Notice.

The provider had improved their governance systems to assess, monitor, and improve the quality and safety of the service. Clinical staff demonstrated they were competent to perform their roles. Most records were up to date and accurate and where risks were identified, measures to lessen the risks had been implemented. Systems to record, analyse and investigate accidents and incidents helped to prevent further incidents.

However, there remained some areas of care records, medicines management and infection prevention and control which would benefit from further improvement and the provider’s audits had not identified these. This is a continued breach of regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

We were confident in the management team to drive and oversee the continued improvement of the service. It was clear the registered manager was keen to provide the best possible service to people, addressing concerns and mistakes in an honest and proactive way. People and staff spoke positively about the registered manager and management team, who promoted a positive, caring culture. There was a clear management structure and systems of accountability had been strengthened. The provider had effective systems and processes to investigate and learn from incidents and concerns. The team worked collaboratively with people using the service, those close to them, and other professionals.