Merlin Court Care Home

People’s needs were assessed which helped staff produce personalised care plans. These provided staff with details on how to provide person-centred care and support. If people needed additional monitoring this was completed and staff liaised regularly with healthcare professionals. Staff communicated with each other about people’s needs and had timely updates when things changed. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the importance of obtaining consent.

Risks to people’s safety had been identified and assessed but we found some conflicting information in people’s risk management plans. However, we also found detailed information for staff to follow if people experienced distress. People had personal emergency evacuation plans which recorded what support they needed in the event of an emergency.

The service was clean and well maintained. Regular health and safety checks were being completed, and equipment was serviced by external contractors. Staff followed good infection prevention and control procedures and used personal protective equipment safely.

Staff were recruited safely and there were enough staff to meet people’s needs. There was a clear line management structure which staff understood. New staff had an induction when starting work and ongoing training and support. The provider had systems to support staff wellbeing and promote equality, diversity and inclusion amongst the workforce. Staff told us they felt well supported and enjoyed their work.

Medicines were safely managed. Staff had training and checks of their competence to safely administer medicines. Regular medicines audits were being completed.

There was a registered manager in post. Governance systems were effective and identified areas for improvement. All actions from quality checks were added to the provider electronic system for monitoring. This ensured all actions were addressed in a timely way.