Austen Court Care Home

Staff did not always put their knowledge into practice as they had used inappropriate equipment to dispose of sharps items such as used needles. People received their medicines as prescribed from staff who were trained and competent to do so.

People were supported by staff that understood how to keep them safe. Staff had received training in safeguarding and knew how to identify and report concerns. There were enough staff to support people's care and safety needs. The provider's recruitment processes were robust ensuring only people of a suitable character were employed to work with vulnerable people. Accidents and incidents were reviewed to identify themes and the actions needed to prevent them from happening again. Lessons learnt were shared with the staff team.

People's needs had been assessed and were recorded in detailed care plans. Deployment of staff met people's needs. Staff were provided with appropriate training in relation to their role. Staff received supervisions and told us they felt supported. People were supported appropriately to eat and drink. People and relatives told us they were supported with their healthcare needs, records confirmed this.

Systems and processes were in place to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the service provided. This allowed the registered manager and provider to identify shortfalls and address them. The management team were responsive to the concerns we identified and took immediate action. People, relatives, and staff views were gathered through meetings and satisfaction surveys. Actions plans were developed and used to drive through improvements.

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.