Dorset House

Staff had training and a good awareness of safeguarding people. They told us how they check people are safe, what to look out for and who to report to if they had concerns. Everyone told us they felt confident the management team within Dorset House would address any concerns promptly and through the correct channels.

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. Where appropriate, people had received assessment of their mental capacity and the correct procedures had been followed where restrictions for people were in place. This meant that staff acted in accordance with the law to ensure people's rights were fully protected.

People received their medicines as prescribed and medicines were managed safely within the home. There were enough staff. Staffing numbers were closely monitored by the registered manager to ensure the needs of people could be met safely. Recruitment of staff was ongoing, the home was experiencing difficulties, as many other providers were, due to unplanned sickness and the national shortage of workers in the care sector.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and monitored. Monthly analysis meant the registered manager and the team were working to identify themes and trends to reduce accidents, such as falls within the home. Lessons learnt were shared with staff and across the provider's other homes.

A range of audits were carried out which all fed into an overall service improvement plan. The home actively sought feedback from people and their relatives about the care provided and used this to make improvements.

The home worked well with external health and social care professionals. Dorset House was known in the local community and had made links to support activities for people and fundraising.

Staff felt proud to work at Dorset House and were complimentary about their colleagues, they felt appreciated. People, their relatives and staff were positive about the management of the home and believed it was well led.