The Laurels

Safety checks were not always carried out as planned to ensure people were living in a safe environment. We raised this immediately with the provider who sought to rectify the shortfall by arranging external professionals and trades people to carry out the checks. Risk assessments were not always in place to ensure people were safe from avoidable harm. Reviews did not take place as planned. We have made a recommendation about risk management within the service.

Accidents and incidents were recorded, and the necessary actions taken. However, analysis was not robust to ensure lessons were learned to prevent reoccurrence of incidents. This meant people could be at increased risk. The Laurels did not actively seek formal feedback from people, their relatives, staff and professionals in order to drive continuous improvements.

We have made a recommendation about recruitment processes; they had not always been followed which meant staff did not always have the necessary checks to ensure they were safe to work with people who required care and support.

People received their medicines as prescribed. However, some improvements were needed to guidance for staff where medicines were taken occasionally and storage arrangements.

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.

Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff knew them well and were confident the provider would take any concerns seriously. Infection control procedures were robust and in line with the latest government guidance for best practice.