Bluebell House

At the last inspection we found medicines were not always managed safely. We issued a requirement in relation to this as people were at risk. We asked for and received an action plan which showed what the provider was doing and had implemented to ensure this requirement was met. At this inspection we found medicines management had improved since our previous inspection. People received their medicines safely and in the way prescribed for them.

At the last inspection we found risks to hot water outlets had not been risk assessed. We were made aware following the inspection that thermostatic valves had been fitted to all hot water outlets. At this inspection we saw these measures were being monitored monthly to ensure the valves were working and where temperature changes noted the valves were adjusted to keep people safe from the risk of scalds from hot water.

At the last inspection we found the provider quality assurance processes were not robust as they had failed to identify the risk areas we had highlighted during the comprehensive inspection. At this inspection we found regular and robust audits were being completed to keep people safe. These were being monitored by the providers quality assurance manager and by visits from the directors. During the pandemic some of this had been completed remotely, but in more recent month's visits to the home for quality monitoring had been resumed.

Most staff said there were always sufficient staff on duty for the number and needs of people they cared for. Two staff felt they would benefit from additional staff during the afternoons, but said people's needs were being met. One staff member said they sometimes struggled to keep people entertained throughout the day. They said they were aware the service had recently employed an activities person to work at the home and believed this would benefit people.

Since the last inspection there had been several safeguarding alerts raised. One was raised by the registered manager and was handled well to keep people safe. Two others had been raised by other agencies and were

reviewed with the local authorities safeguarding team. We discussed these with the registered manager and provider who were looking at lessons learnt and sharing with their other services where practice could be improved.

Recruitment processes ensured people were protected as only staff who had been assessed and checked as being suitable to work with people who may be vulnerable, were employed.

Infection control and measures to keep people safe from risk of the spread of Covid were reviewed during this inspection. Training and the right personal protective equipment (PPE) were in place. Measures for visitors to the service were in place. This included ensuring temperature checks were completed. Visitors were also asked to sign a health declaration and wear PPE. We made one recommendation in respect of ensuring staff were using surgical masks correctly at all times.