Appleby Court Care Home

Safe infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures were followed. The safety, hygiene and cleanliness of the environment, equipment and utilities were monitored through regular checks and audits.

Managers and staff understood their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding people from the risk of abuse. Allegations of abuse were referred to the relevant authorities without delay and safeguarding records were well maintained. People told us they felt safe and family members confirmed this. Records confirmed there had been an increase in the completion of safeguarding training since our last inspection.

Medicines were managed safely stored and administered by staff who had the necessary skills and competence. Medication administration records (MARs) were overall well kept, however handwritten information entered onto some people's MARs had not been signed by the scriber and checked by a second person to ensure the accuracy of the information recorded in line with best practice. The manager addressed this immediately.

Systems were in place to record and analyse accidents and incidents. Records were well maintained, and the outcome of reviews were shared with staff to ensure learning from incidents took place.

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.

A manager had been appointed to work at the service since our last inspection. They commenced this post in February 2023 and had applied to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to become the registered manager.

Systems and processes for assessing, monitoring, and improving the quality and safety of the service had improved. Newly implemented checks and audits were completed across the service and areas identified for improvement were actioned. There was improved oversight of the service on behalf of the provider. Monthly

meetings were held with managers and the provider's representative where key areas of the service were discussed and evaluated. Action plans were developed for any areas where audits identified improvements were required.

Records relating to people's care and the running of the service had improved. They were well maintained and regularly reviewed to make sure they were accurate and up to date. People, staff, and family members were provided with opportunities to feedback about their experiences of the care provided. There was improved partnership working with others including external health and social care professionals.

There were enough suitably skilled and qualified staff on duty to meet people's needs and keep them safe. No new staff had been recruited since the last inspection; however, policies were in place to ensure staff were recruited safely. Checks were carried out to assess the fitness and suitability of agency staff. Nurses' personal identification numbers (PINs) were checked monthly to make sure they remained valid.