OSJCT Brookside

Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEP) needed detail on how to support people to safely evacuate the premises.

Medicine systems needed to improve in areas of when required protocol and seeking advise from a pharmacist for best method of disguising medicines. We recommended the provider consider current guidance on giving when required medicines as well as taking action to update their practice and procedures accordingly.

While care plans were person centred and staff knew people well some action plans lacked detail. People's advanced wishes were not gained and for people with diabetes the signs of deterioration were not detailed in the care plan. The registered manager had identified these areas for improvement and appropriate action was being taken to develop care plans for advance decisions.

There was a strong culture where people views were at the centre of the way the home operated. Some staff practices and facilities exceeded standards.

The people we spoke with said they felt safe living at the home and relatives confirmed their family members had a sense of security with the staff. Safeguarding of adults at risk procedures were accessible to staff. Staff were knowledgeable about the expectation on them to report concerns of abuse.

People and staff felt valued. We saw kind and caring interaction. People were supported to follow their preferred routines. People chose how and where they spent their day. Relatives and people said the staff were kind and caring.

People's care needs were assessed before admissions for respite of permanent stays were agreed. There were introductory visits before stays at the home took place. This meant people's anxieties were reduced because they recognised staff when they arrived for stays.

The staff were supported to meet the responsibilities of their roles. New staff received an induction when they started work at the home. The staff attended a wide range of training which ensured they were able to meet the needs of people.

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.

There were good relationships within the local community. A healthcare professional told us the home was responsive to their suggestions and recommendations.

The registered manager had good leadership oversight. People and staff felt confident to approach the registered manager. The staff, people and relatives said the registered manager had a good presence in the home.

There were effective quality assurance systems in place and plans on developing the service were also in place.