Saxondale Nursing Home

This assessment was completed to follow up on action we told the previous provider to take at the last assessment in March 2025. At that inspection, the provider was found to be in breach of 3 legal regulations in relation to safeguarding, person centred care and good governance. Warning notices were issued. At this inspection, we found sufficient improvement had been made to address the actions needed. The requirements of the warning notices were met, and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

The provider had worked closely with the local authority and had addressed all concerns found at our last inspection. Governance systems had been effectively implemented. The management team had taken steps to improve systems.

Risks associated with people's care were identified and managed to keep people safe. People received their medicines as prescribed by staff who were competent in medicines administration. Staff were aware of their responsibility to protect people from abuse and harm, and to follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

Care plans included people's life histories, personal preferences and outcomes. Care plans were reviewed, and people were referred to health professionals as required.

The provider could evidence lessons were learnt when things went wrong. An effective system was in place to analyse accidents and incidents and trends and patterns were identified, and where necessary improvements were made.

Some refurbishments had taken place, and the provider had purchased various new furniture items and equipment, and decoration had been enhanced to make the environment more dementia friendly.

We observed staff serving lunch and found the mealtime experience was good; staff were engaged with people and offered choices and support as required. Staff were kind and caring and supported people to meet their needs in a person-centred way.

Staff and leaders worked well together to ensure consistency of care. There was clear leadership, and it was evident who the leaders were within the organisation. The senior guided staff and staff looked to the senior and other leaders for support.

At the time of this assessment, a new manager had been in post for one week. The improvements evidenced at this assessment needed to be sustained and embedded into practice so the provider and the service can continue their journey of improvement.