Clarkson House Residential Care Home

At our previous inspection we found breaches of regulation as medicines and risk were not being managed effectively; and systems of governance were not operated effectively to ensure the quality of the service. At this inspection we found the necessary improvements had been made and the service was no longer in breach of these regulations. However, we did note there were some areas for improvement in relation to the management of medicines and record keeping.

People felt safe and systems were in place to ensure risks were assessed and mitigated. We noted some occasions where records were not completed accurately but the registered manager was in the process of addressing these. Staff knew and understood people’s needs. People did not always feel there were enough staff to meet their needs. We noted some improvements were needed to the management of medicines; including medicines used occasionally, medicines prescribed at a variable dose and patch medicines. There was an ongoing programme of environmental work, with some areas, such as the laundry to be addressed shortly after our visit.

People’s needs were assessed and people were supported to access health care services as needed. Staff worked together to meet people’s needs. Further work was needed to ensure systems of oversight and accurate record keeping were in place, but staff knew people well and were able to identify any changes in people’s wellbeing. Consent was requested and, where people lacked capacity, the service was working in line with the Mental Capacity Act.

People and relatives spoke highly of the staff team, who were kind and caring. We observed positive interactions between people and staff, and that staff were responsive to people’s needs. People were supported to make choices around their daily lives and independence was promoted.

People’s preferences and wishes were respected. People were supported to access services where needed. Staff were effective in communicating with people and resources were available to support this. Further work was needed to ensure people were supported to plan for their future if they wished to.

The registered manager felt well supported by the provider and they worked together to invest in the service and drive improvement. There were systems for oversight, which identified areas for improvement, but further action was needed to ensure all concerns were fully addressed. Staff felt well supported in their role and we received positive feedback from people and families about how the service was managed.