Kenwyn

At this inspection we found there were enough staff on duty to meet people's needs. Staff were allocated to work in specific units, which meant people received care from a consistent staff team. Staff told us there were occasions when staffing levels were lower than planned, when short notice sickness occurred. However, staff were re-deployed between units, to cover for absences, to ensure there was the appropriate skill mix in each unit.

The service had not used agency staff since the start of the pandemic, to reduce the risk of cross infection. This had resulted in people being cared for by permanent staff who had the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of everyone living at the service.

There was a positive culture within the staff team and staff told us they felt supported by the management team. The registered and deputy managers had built open and trusting relationships with staff and this had helped bring about the culture change since the last inspection.

Staff were recruited safely. The service had continued to recruit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure there were enough staff to cover for sickness or for staff who needed to shield or self-isolate. Staff were supported by a system of induction, training, supervisions, appraisals and staff meetings.

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.

Care plans were accurate and up to date. They provided staff with comprehensive guidance to ensure people's needs were met. Risks were identified and staff had clear instructions to help them support people to reduce the risk of avoidable harm.

People were supported to access healthcare services, staff recognised changes in people's health, and sought professional advice appropriately. Staff were informed about people's changing needs through

effective shift handovers and informative records of the daily care provided for people.

Medicines were well managed, and people received their medicines safely as prescribed for them.

Cleaning and infection control procedures had been updated in line with COVID-19 guidance to help protect people, visitors and staff from the risk of infection. Government guidance about COVID testing for people, staff and visitors was being followed.

Visiting arrangements for people's families had been facilitated, in line with government guidance at any given time, throughout the pandemic. Recently nominated relatives were making regular visits to see their loved ones, and this was welcomed.

People, their relatives and staff told us management were approachable and they listened to them when they had any concerns or ideas. All feedback was used to make continuous improvements to the service.