Archived: 6 Milverton Road

Our inspection on 6 December 2013 found the provider non-compliant with Regulation 9(1)(b) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010. The registered person did not take proper steps to ensure that people who used the service were protected against the risks of receiving care or treatment that was inappropriate or unsafe, by means of the planning and delivery of care and where appropriate treatment in such a way as to meet the person's individual needs and to ensure the welfare and safety of people who used the service.

We received an action plan from the Registered Manager on 24 January 2014, telling us what actions they had taken to comply with the Regulations in breach. We saw evidence of a 'best interest' decision made on behalf of one person and received written confirmation from the operations manager, that all care plans had been updated and transferred to the new person centred care plan forms. This ensured that peoples consent was obtained and care ins planned according to peoples needs.

Staff demonstrated good understanding in how they ensured that people who used the service were involved in their treatment and care and that decisions which were made on their behalf were in their best interest.

We viewed two care plans, which provided information about people's needs and support requirements. We found that people's care plans were not regularly updated, which put people at risk of not receiving person-centred and needs-led care and support . Care workers demonstrated sound knowledge of their responsibilities in how to respond to allegations of abuse, and a relative told us that the home provided 'safe care and support.'

We observed care workers spending time with people who used the service and did not rush people during meal times. Care workers told us that there were sufficient staff around to meet people's needs and additional staff could be drafted in to accommodate activities and health care appointments.

Care workers were confident in the management that any concerns and complaints were dealt with and records viewed confirmed this.

We observed the interaction between people and staff. We noted that staff spoke with people in a respectful and friendly manner and people responded well to staff and co-operated with staff.

There were appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. The medication records examined indicated that people had been given their medication as prescribed.

Staff records indicated that staff had received essential training and were supported by the manager. Relatives commented on the professionalism and competence of care workers. The views of relatives can be summarised by the following comment, "staff make the family welcome and my relative is well respected and cared for.'