Beech Lawn Nursing and Residential Home

Prior to the inspection we had received concerns that infection control measures were not effective at the start of the Covid-19 infection. Concerns were raised that a staff member had worked while testing positive to Covid-19. We found there had been a sudden and detrimental impact on staffing levels for the previous days prior to the inspection due to the impact of Covid-19 infections affecting staff. The registered manager confirmed they had been made aware of a staff member who had tested positive for Covid-19 while on shift and completed that shift as they were not symptomatic. Some staff were not wearing protective masks as was the guidance at that time. We raised this with the registered manager who took immediate action to ensure all staff used the necessary protective equipment as was required at that time when in an outbreak. We have made a recommendation in respect of this in the report.

There had been some staffing issues due to the impact of the recent Covid-19 outbreak. The registered manager had been supported by the commissioners due to the outbreak to seek additional staff and put a contingency plan in place. On the second day of inspection we found staffing levels had improved. Overseas staff had recently been employed and were going through their induction programme. Staff told us staffing had been an issue but had now improved. We found there were enough staff on duty to meet people's individual needs.

Staff were caring and treated people with kindness, respect and were mindful of people's dignity. Comments included, "The staff are very patient and are keen to help me with things" and "I think they [staff] are very patient. It was difficult before Christmas. I think a lot of staff were poorly, but it's got much better. I don't usually have to wait long before somebody comes along to help".

Incidents and accidents were managed safely. The managers took necessary actions to keep people safe

and minimise the risk of reoccurrence. Steps were taken to learn lessons if things went wrong.

People were supported to access healthcare services, staff recognised changes in people's health, and sought professional advice appropriately. A health professional told us the registered manager and clinical staff worked closely with them to ensure any placements at the service were suitable so that peoples individual needs could be met.

The provider had systems in place to protect people from the risk of abuse and people told us they felt safe. Risk assessments were completed to help identify and minimise risks people faced. Staff had been recruited safely. 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.

Staff knew how to keep people safe from harm. Staff had received appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role safely, including the management of medicines.

Staff told us that they had received training. The deputy-manager maintained oversight of training to ensure staff had the necessary training, knowledge and skills to provide consistent care.

Staff told us they were supported by the management team. One staff member new to the service, told us they felt valued and felt supported during their induction period.

The premises were clean and well maintained. The service had effective systems to monitor equipment and utilities. There were certificates in place to support this. Systems were in place to support people in the event of an emergency.

The registered manager provided clear direction and good leadership. Feedback about the service was consistently positive. In general comments about support was positive. Some people told us there had been a lot of changes in the staff team. Communication with other agencies had not always been positive. However, all stakeholders told us this had improved and there was now a static staff team who communicated well.