Kenroyal Nursing Home

This assessment was carried out to ensure compliance with previous enforcement action taken against the service for breaches of regulation in relation to safe care and treatment and the governance and oversight of the service. This was a focussed assessment, and we assessed the key questions: Safe and Well led, which contain the breach. We found the provider was no longer in breach of regulation.

During this assessment we spoke with people, their relatives or advocates, and visiting professionals. We spoke with over 20 staff including the provider, the registered manager, nurses, care staff, the chef, the activity staff, house-keeping, and laundry staff. We looked at people’s care records and used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us. We looked at staff records and records relating to the management of the service.

The registered manager and staff demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguard people from abuse. The provider and registered manager were working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. Systems in place ensured accidents and incidents were monitored and if any lessons could be learnt to keep people safe and improve practice.

Risks to people had been assessed, managed, and monitored. Care plans were personalised and contained good quality information and instructions that enabled staff to support people safely. The registered manager and staff worked collaboratively with health care professionals to ensure people received effective support. Medicines were stored securely and administered by staff trained and competent to do so. Improvements were found in relation to record keeping.

The provider had made improvements to the premises, fire and water safety, and infection prevention practices. Staff were observed using personal protective equipment and maintaining hygiene. The premises and equipment were well maintained, and all areas were clean and hygienic. The provider had a business continuity plan in place to manage unplanned events and emergencies.

Staff were recruited safely and were trained for their role. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were supervised, received feedback on their performance and were confident if they spoke up, they would be listened to.

Staff were happy and enjoyed their work and caring for people. Staff told us they felt supported and listen to by management. Staff comments included, “We work as a team, everyone is respected and respectful of each other” and “We have really good teamwork and team approach.” The registered manager, nurses and staff ensured people had equal opportunities and did not face discrimination whilst being supported.

There was a positive culture and responsive approach to learning from significant events and concerns. There was clear evidence of improved governance systems and processes to monitor all aspects of the service.

The registered manager, nurses and staff worked closely with external professionals to help ensure they provided the most appropriate care to people. Feedback we received from professionals was consistently positive about the quality of care provided, staff and leadership.