Cherry Tree Lodge

Staff had received further training so they could be more effective in responding to risk and had increased confidence to challenge poor practice. Staff told us managers were visible in the home and they felt able to raise concerns and make suggestions knowing they would be listened to. Relatives spoke of improved communication within the service and how changes implemented had resulted in positive outcomes for people.

There were enough staff to keep people safe and deliver support in accordance with people's care plans. Staff understood their role in keeping people safe and safeguarding concerns had been reported to the local safeguarding team for external investigation. Risks to people's health and well-being had been identified and care plans contained guidance for staff on how to mitigate those risks. People received their medicines as prescribed.

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.

Staff encouraged people to engage in group activities they enjoyed, and community events were planned to enable people, relatives and friends to enjoy time together. Initiatives were being implemented to enable staff to spend more time with people, but these were not fully embedded within the home.

Managers understood their responsibilities under the duty of candour and relatives confirmed they were informed when things went wrong. Learning was shared with the staff team and there was a proactive approach to supporting staff practice when it fell below expected standards.