Northwood Nursing & Residential Care

For this key question we assessed 6 quality statements relating to; learning culture, safeguarding, safe environments, safe and effective staffing, infection prevention and control, and medicines optimisation. We found the provider was in breach of the regulation; safe care and treatment. People were not always safe because they did not receive safe care in relation to the storage and recording of medicines. Records related to the storage of medicines, the administration of ‘as and when required’ medicines, the use of thickener in drinks and information related to people’s allergies and PEG feeding did not reflect best practice, people’s guidelines or was missing.

People were protected from the risk of infection by staff, the home was clean and maintained hygienically. The provider had a food hygiene rating of 5. This meant the hygiene standards were very good. The registered manager assessed risks to ensure people were safe. The registered manager and staff promoted positive risk taking to help people gain skills and live an independent life as possible. There were effective safeguarding processes in place, to support people’s safety.

For this key question we assessed 4 quality statements relating to assessing need, people leading healthier lives, monitoring outcomes and consent to care. People received effective care. Their needs and choices had been assessed and planned for and their physical and mental wellbeing was continuously monitored to meet their clinical expectations. The provider now gained people’s consent when required. People consented to their care and treatment. During the assessment we observed staff were asking for people’s consent.

For this key question we assessed 1 quality statement relating to treating people as individuals. The service was caring. People had good relationships with staff who were kind and who treated them respectfully. People were able to make decisions about their care and were supported to be independent.

For this key question we assessed 1 quality statement relating to planning for the future. The service was responsive. People who were approaching the end of their life had their support wishes respected.

For this key question, we assessed 2 quality statements relating to capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders and governance, management and sustainability. Quality assurance processes in place were still not always effective as shortfalls found in medicines were either not identified or not progressed in a timely way.

There was a clear management structure with easily identifiable lead roles. People and relatives spoke positively about the way the service was managed and the manager's leadership style. The approachability of the registered manager had been praised. Staff told us they felt valued and respected at work and were confident they were supported by an approachable manager. Feedback from people included, "[Nominated individual] is a good person. He listens to you if you need anything.”