Ashley Court Care Home

Reports carried out on behalf of the provider in February 2022 had identified essential repairs were needed to upgrade the fire alarm system. Following the inspection, the provider confirmed in writing that works to upgrade the fire alarm system had been completed on 29 August 2022.

Systems were in place to ensure medicines were ordered and disposed of safely and securely. However, good practice was not always followed when storing medicines. The procedures and record keeping for administering external medicines such as topical creams were unclear. The registered manager took immediate action during and after the inspection visit to rectify the areas identified.

Potential risks to people's care and safety were assessed and kept under review to promote their safety. For example, equipment such as floor sensor (alert) mats were used for people at increased risk of falls. Pressure relieving equipment was used for people with frailty and poor mobility to reduce the risks of skin damage.

People using the service and relatives confirmed there were enough staff available to meet the needs of people using the service.

People were protected from the risk of abuse and told us they felt safe. There was a positive inclusive culture in the home. Care was person centred and people's individual characteristics were considered and planned into care.

People and their relatives spoke highly of the staff and management team and felt included and well supported.

The registered manager and management team were open and transparent. They focussed on improving

the service. They worked in partnership with other health care professionals to achieve positive outcomes for people.

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.