Birdscroft Nursing Home

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. However, the policies and systems in the service did not support this practice. There was little evidence to support how best interest decisions were made and Capacity assessments were not always recorded. We made a recommendation that the registered manager should consistently and accurately apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

There were sufficient appropriately skilled staff to meet people's needs and keep them safe. People and relatives told us there were enough staff to care for their family members. However, we observed that a reduction from 6 staff to 5 in the afternoons meant they had little time to interact socially with people. There was a safe staff recruitment process in place. Staff received appropriate training, support and development to enable them to meet people's needs.

Some care records lacked detail of people's support needs and did not always include risk mitigation. However, people were supported by nursing and care staff who demonstrated a good understanding of people's support needs. Healthcare professionals told us people were referred appropriately and with comprehensive details about the presenting problem. Staff followed their recommendations to ensure good health outcomes for people. Notifications were completed to inform CQC and other outside organisations when events occurred.

People and their family members spoke positively about staff engagement and told us they were treated in a caring and respectful way. People and their relatives had the opportunity to express their views on their care and staff worked in a way which supported people's dignity and privacy.

There was an activities programme which was developed in conjunction with people who were encouraged to make suggestions and state their preferences. People spoke positively about the culture at Birdscroft Nursing Home. They told us that communication with the registered manager and general staff team was good and they felt listened to. Staff told us they felt their work was valued and the registered manager supported them to progress in their careers.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk