The Red House Nursing Home

The home carried out checks when recruiting staff. Agency workers were used to cover gaps on the rotas, when necessary. The provider had not ensured it had obtained satisfactory evidence of recruitment and training from the agency, to make sure people were always cared for by workers with the right skills and experience.

People were not adequately safeguarded from the risks of fire. Records of fire drills were insufficient to demonstrate all staff had been effectively trained and would know what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.

The provider had not ensured there was effective governance of the service, to make sure people received good standards of care. The nominated individual (representative for the provider) regularly visited the home but there were insufficient records of findings or suggestions for improving care practice.

Providers are required to act in an open and transparent way when things go wrong (duty of candour) and there are specific things they need to do in these circumstances. The registered manager was able to describe some actions taken, such as informing relatives or speaking with the person affected, but they were unable to demonstrate full compliance.

We have made recommendations regarding the risk assessment format for moving and handling, medicines practice and recording of accidents and incidents. We have made a further recommendation regarding the provider's monitoring of record keeping at the service.

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.

People were protected from the risks of infection as staff followed good hygiene practices. Staff worked in partnership with other agencies to promote people's health and well-being. Improvements had been made

in some areas to enhance people's quality of care.

Relatives spoke positively about the home. One relative told us "I will never be able to thank the staff for the happiness and kindness that they have brought into our lives during this difficult time. I would recommend The Red House to anyone in need of care." People we spoke with were complimentary of staff. One said "Staff are brilliant," another commented "They're very good to me."