Bymead House

Bymead House is an extended premises occupying a large plot with accessible grounds. There is a passenger lift and accessible bathrooms to enable access throughout the service.

There was mixed feedback about meal provision, people and their relatives were involved in giving regular feedback about meals.

We made a recommendation about data storage as we were not assured information in an office had been properly secured. We looked into numerous concerns that had been raised about the service and while able to corroborate some, for others we were not able to find evidence to prove or disprove them.

Not all staff had participated in 1-to-1 staff supervision, and supervisions were not seen as effective. We have made a recommendation to review best practice guidance and update procedures accordingly.

Medicines were safely administered, and audits ensured oversight of the process. There were some improvements required around risk assessments and storage, we have made a recommendation about this.

Accidents and incidents were recorded, and actions taken both to minimise future occurrences and to ascertain any patterns that could inform risk management.

Staff completed training in safeguarding and both people and their relatives felt the service was safe. Staff were safely recruited and, before commencing in post, induction and mandatory training was completed. The premises were very clean and use of PPE and visiting was in line with current guidance.

Peoples' needs were assessed before being admitted to the service and a procedure of clinical review of assessments prior to admission was in place to ensure only those who's needs could be met were admitted.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

We received mostly positive feedback about the service and the management team, and the provider was developing new quality assurance questionnaires to issue to people, staff, and relatives so they could benchmark people's opinions of the service.