Archmoor Care Home

At this assessment, we found 3 breaches of regulations in respect of person-centred care, good governance and staffing.

Gaps remained in the providers ability to demonstrate organisational learning, to remedy identified actions in a timely manner, and to properly embed a culture of continuous improvement. Some people had been identified as being at risk of falls, particularly at night, but systems to alert staff to these dangers were not adequate. Our checks showed window restrictors on some upper-floor windows did not comply with current safety regulations. This was because the mechanism to restrict the window was a simple nail and chain.

There were insufficient numbers of staff deployed to meet people’s needs, particularly in the morning. During the day, there was 1 senior carer and 2 care assistants, with the senior mostly deployed to medicines administration duties. This meant 2 carers were left to support everyone else. Care staff were also expected to manage the laundry function. On several occasions we observed people asking for assistance to go to the toilet, but with only 1 member of staff present in the lounge, people were asked to wait. There was lack of meaningful activities, and people told us there wasn’t enough to do during the day.

Insufficient progress had been made to support governance. We saw several template documents in use, with no standard process properly embedded into everyday practice. Where audits and quality assurance had been completed, records did not adequately set out issues and actions.

However, throughout our assessment visit we observed many examples of natural, kind, caring and compassionate interactions between people and staff. People were supported to live healthier lives through regular access to primary care services such as GP, community nurses and chiropody. The provider had invested in a new digital care planning system. Care records we looked at were person-centred and contained a good level of detail. Staff worked with external professionals and services to ensure people’s care delivery was well co-ordinated.

In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.

We also have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.