St Patricks Care Home

Not all risks were assessed and monitored which placed people at potential risk of harm. Risk assessments were not always completed in a timely manner and records did not always show that risk was effectively monitored. Medication administration records did not always evidence that people received their medicines as prescribed.

Governance processes were not always effective at improving the quality and safety of the service. Auditing tools were in place. However, they did not identify all concerns found during the inspection in relation to risk assessments and care plans. When concerns were identified, there was not always a clear timescale of when these would be actioned.

There was a system in place to record and analyse incidents. However, we found that not all individual incidents were effectively analysed. We have made a recommendation about the analysis of incidents.

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. However, we identified that mental capacity assessments were not always completed in a timely manner. We have made a recommendation about the completion of mental capacity assessments.

Staff were safely recruited following the completion of appropriate pre-employment checks. There were enough staff to support people safely. The registered manager had ensured safe staffing levels by using agency staff when needed.

A safeguarding policy was in place and concerns were shared with the local authority when required. People told us they felt safe in the care of staff and relatives were also assured that their loved ones were safe living at the home.

People and relatives told us that staff were experienced and knowledgeable about their roles. When people's needs changed, the provider was extremely responsive and appropriate referrals to other agencies were made in a timely manner. People achieved positive health outcomes because the engagement with

health professionals was effective.

People were positive about the food. Independence with food and drink was promoted through the use of adapted cutlery and plates.

People made everyday choices in relation to their care and treatment. People provided positive feedback in relation to staff respecting their views. A person told us, "Staff listen to what we say." People were treated with dignity and respect. Our observations found that staff were caring in their approach.

An effective system was in place to ensure complaints were managed in an open and transparent way.

Staff told us that managers were approachable and there was a positive staff culture. Relatives told us they were happy with the care their family members received and they were kept up to date about important changes in people's physical health.