Lawnbrook Care Home

We carried out a responsive assessment in response to information of concern received in relation to staffing and governance, and assessed all 33 quality statements related to the 5 key questions: Is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

We identified breaches of regulation in relation to safeguarding and governance. Systems and processes to monitor and oversee the service were not always effective in identifying and addressing risks. This included concerns relating to safeguarding systems, environmental safety, medicines management, staff recruitment records and overall governance arrangements.

Records were not consistently well managed across key areas. Systems for the oversight of people’s finances were not sufficiently robust, and records did not always provide clear or accurate information to demonstrate that people’s money was safely managed. Records relating to environmental safety, including fire monitoring, were not always detailed enough to demonstrate risks were effectively assessed and mitigated. Documentation relating to mental capacity and consent was also inconsistent, and recruitment records did not always include all required pre-employment checks.

We also found inconsistencies in leadership and staff experience. While leaders demonstrated a commitment to improving the service and had begun taking action, staff feedback at the time of the assessment demonstrated some staff did not always feel consistently supported, and systems were not yet fully embedded.

Overall, people received positive day-to-day care. People’s health and wellbeing needs were monitored, and staff worked well with healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care. People were supported to access services when needed, and staff responded appropriately to changes in their health.

People were supported to have choice and control, and there were opportunities for people to engage in a range of activities to support their wellbeing. Systems were in place for people and relatives to raise concerns or complaints.

Staff and leaders engaged openly and transparently throughout the assessment and demonstrated a commitment to learning and improvement. The provider had a service improvement plan and was responsive to feedback, taking action to address the concerns identified and strengthen oversight. However, further time was required for improvements to be fully embedded and sustained.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the findings of this assessment.