29 November 2013
During an inspection looking at part of the service
People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. Staff were trained in safeguarding and a range of policies and procedures were in place for staff to follow and refer to. We saw that 'best interest decision' meetings took place. This is where a range of people are involved in making decisions for someone who does not have the capacity to make their own.
We looked at the medicines records and stocks for three people. We saw appropriate arrangements for obtaining, recording and handling medicines, with the exception of controlled drugs. We have asked the provider to address these issues.
Staff received appropriate professional development. We spoke with three members of staff. They all told us that they felt well supported by colleagues and management at the home.
The provider had in place a range of systems to monitor and review the quality of the service provided at Brackenley.
People told us that they were "Well cared for" and "Staff were very nice and looked after them well".
We saw that the relevant pre-employment checks were carried out on staff prior to them starting work at Brackenley. This helped to ensure that people were cared for by staff suitable to work in the care industry.
Appropriate arrangements were in place in relation to obtaining, recording, administering and returning medicines, which included controlled drugs. We saw that medications received were accurately recorded and securely stored. We saw from people's care records that people's medication was regularly reviewed with their General Practitioner (GP). This helped to make sure people received the correct medication.
People living at the home said that their comments were listened to but they had not really had to make a complaint. Staff we spoke with said they would support someone if they wanted to make a complaint or discuss concerns.