Cherry Garth

The building layout is three floors, where people can live across five separate 'houses'. Each person has their own bedroom, and there are communal toilets, bathrooms, lounge and dining areas. There is a hairdresser and a coffee shop. At the rear of the building, there is a garden and entertainment areas. Various offices for staff are located throughout the building.

People's risk assessments and care plans were replaced, updated and made more individualised. Sufficient staff were deployed to meet people's needs. An ongoing recruitment programme is in place as there are a high number of staff vacancies. Incidents and accidents were logged, there was consistent recording and follow up. Infection prevention and control remained satisfactory, with some deep cleaning required. People were protected against abuse and neglect. Medicines safety has improved. We made a recommendation about medicines policy.

People's care was more person-centred. The service had started to implement best practice guidance into everyday practice. People received nutritious, healthy meals and snacks. The service's premises were suitable for people receiving personal care; improvement to ensure a 'dementia friendly' environment is still required.

There was an active social life programme at the service. People commented on the wide range of activities and events. Complaints were investigated, most outcomes were communicated effectively. The provider had not ensured that complaints raised directly at head office were logged into the service's register.

There were improvements to systems and processes in place to ensure safe, compassionate, well-led care. The service's improvement plan was being used to track progress. The service had liaised with people, relatives, staff and the local authority more often than previously. There was evidence of a programme of audits, completed at different intervals, however more time is required to embed the governance system fully. There is evidence of meetings with people, relatives and staff. The oversight by the management team was better and they were more proactive at following up actions required. Staff reported some improvement in workplace culture, however felt morale still required improvement. We made a recommendation about the duty of candour requirement.

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.