Ashfield House - Raunds

This was a routine assessment carried out between 10 August and 21 August 2026, including site visits on 10, 11 and 19 August 2026. The assessment reviewed how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led the service was. This assessment was carried out by 3 inspectors, and 1 Expert by Experience who had personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.During the assessment, we spoke with people using the service, their relatives, visiting professional and staff at different levels. We also reviewed care records, policies, audits and other documentation and observed care.

We identified areas where people were not always protected from avoidable risks. Staff were not always deployed effectively to provide appropriate supervision, particularly for people at increased risk of falls. Call-bell records did not provide reliable information to demonstrate that people’s requests for assistance were responded to promptly. Infection prevention practices were not always consistently followed, and some environmental risks required better management.

People’s needs were assessed, but care plans and risk assessments were not always accurate, consistent or detailed enough to guide staff. Some clinical care plans lacked clear guidance, including around pressure care and long-term catheters. Mental capacity assessments and best-interest records also required improvement. People had access to healthcare and nutritional support, although opportunities for meaningful activity and stimulation were not always sufficient.

The provider had audits, monitoring systems and management checks in place. However, these had not identified several of the concerns we found, including those relating to care records, staffing and supervision, call bell responses, infection prevention, monitoring records, the environment and complaints. Learning from incidents and monitoring did not always lead to clear and sustained improvements.

People and relatives were generally positive about the staff and the care they received. Staff were kind and respectful, knew people well and understood their individual preferences. People were supported to make choices and maintain their independence. Staff worked with health and social care professionals to support people’s healthcare needs, and medicines were generally managed safely. Staff were recruited safely and received induction, training and ongoing support.

The provider was open and transparent throughout the assessment and responded positively to our feedback. They took action to address a number of concerns during and following the assessment, including reviewing staffing arrangements and increasing staffing levels.

We identified a breach of regulation in relation to good governance. This service has been rated Requires Improvement overall. We have asked the provider to submit an action plan in response to the concerns identified during this assessment.