Arbory Residential Home

This was an assessment to check whether improvements had been made following our previous inspection. At our last assessment, the provider was in breach of 3 of the legal regulations in relation to safeguarding, fit and proper persons and governance. Some improvements were found at this assessment, and the provider was no longer in breach of the regulations in relation to safeguarding and fit and proper persons. However, the provider remained in breach of the regulation in relation to governance because further improvements were needed. ​ In addition, the provider was in breach of the legal regulation relating to safe care and treatment because of medicines management concerns.​ This was a comprehensive inspection, and we reviewed all the quality statements.

Medicines were not always managed safely. Although audits of medicines had been carried out and some issues had been identified, these had not been rectified.

People’s needs were assessed and reviewed regularly. People and their relatives were being encouraged to take part in care planning and reviews. Risk assessments were completed, and care plans provided guidance to staff on maintaining people’s safety; however, records did not always show that care plan guidance was being followed. Staff were appropriately skilled, qualified, and experienced to meet people’s needs. Safeguarding procedures were followed, and effective systems were in place to manage concerns. Records showed that people received enough food and drink to maintain their health.

We received mixed feedback about staffing levels from staff and health professionals.

Routine safety checks were carried out across the premises and on all equipment. Fire risks had been assessed, and action was being taken to appropriately manage these. Incidents were investigated by managers, and learning was shared with staff. Staff worked closely with other healthcare professionals and monitored people’s health to promote wellbeing.

The service was clean and generally well maintained, with staff following infection prevention and control guidelines. Staff reported feeling valued and respected and were supported to develop professionally. Overall, they spoke positively about their roles and the leadership team, telling us morale had improved since the appointment of the new manager. One staff member commented, “[Manager name] is more proactive and supportive. Everything, even the general vibe in the place is completely different and the residents feel that as well; they can pick up on things.”

There was a service improvement plan in place, and some improvements had been identified and made, however, concerns identified during this assessment showed governance systems were not fully effective.

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