Yew Tree Holdings Limited

This assessment was undertaken in response to concerns in relation to safe care and treatment for people as well as the governance of the service.

We identified 3 breaches of the legal regulation in relation to safe care and treatment, dignity and respect, and good governance.

Governance systems and processes in place had not always been consistently and robustly applied to support effective management of the service including good record keeping. Audits had not been effective in identifying issues we found at this assessment. The provider had not continually learnt or improved the delivery of the service.

People were not supported safely to mobilise in line with their planned care. Some risks for people were not assessed and there was not always detailed guidance in place for staff to follow to ensure risks were mitigated. Medicines had not always been managed safely. People were not always treated with dignity and respect.

Feedback was mixed about the staffing levels within the service and staff training was not all up to date. There were some shortfalls with the home environment.

The provider had begun to take action to improve the service by bringing in a consultant following our inspection.

Staff were knowledgeable about the people they supported and had knowledge of people’s likes and preferences. Feedback from people and relatives was mostly positive, particularly about the staff and management. The home was clean and tidy, and staff were recruited safely.

The service worked in partnership with other professionals to meet people’s needs. We received positive feedback from professionals about their work with Yew Tree Holdings Limited. Comments included, ‘Yew tree are responsive, and open to all action suggested.’ And ‘Extremely positive, have awareness of multi-disciplinary team referrals and professionals to contact.’

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

During this inspection we spoke to 6 people living at the service, 5 relatives, 12 staff including the Provider, Deputy Manager, Administrator, Seniors, Carers, Maintenance, Chef and Domestic staff. We sought and received feedback from professionals working with the service. We observed staff practices and people’s experience of care and looked at records to support this.