Willow Tree Nursing Home

People's experience of the service and what we found: People were not always protected from the risk of infection as staff were not consistently following safe infection prevention and control practices. Overall, the provider assessed risks to ensure people were safe and staff took action to mitigate identified risks. However, we identified some areas of risk had not been assessed and some management plans required greater detail. The provider's system did not always effectively monitor the quality of care provided to drive improvements.

People were safeguarded from abuse and avoidable harm. There were enough staff to provide safe care, but some staff told us they were rushed and wanted more time to spend with people beyond providing physical care. The provider operated safe recruitment processes. People were supported to receive their medicines safely. People were able to receive visitors without restrictions in line with best practice guidance. The provider learned lessons when things had gone wrong.

There was a positive and open culture which helped achieve good outcomes for people. We received positive feedback from staff, people and their relatives about management and how the care provided had a positive impact on people's health. The provider understood their responsibilities under the duty of candour. When there were changes in people's health, they were referred to external health professionals to improve their outcomes.

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. However, we identified a decision regarding 1 person's care that needed to be reviewed to ensure this was in their best interests and the least restrictive option. The provider confirmed this decision and the care would be reviewed to ensure the principles of the Mental Capacity Act were followed.

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