The inspection took place on 13 July 2016 and was unannounced. This was a comprehensive inspection.Robertson Nursing Home is registered to provide accommodation and nursing care for up to 41 older people, many of whom were living with dementia. On the day of our inspection there were 37 people living at the home.
The home had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff understood their role in safeguarding people and had attended training. They demonstrated understanding of how to recognise signs of abuse and who to contact if they suspect abuse.
Accidents and incidents were being reported where appropriate. Staff routinely carried out risk assessments and created plans to minimise known hazards whilst encouraging people’s independence. Policies and procedures were in place to keep people safe in the event of emergencies. Fire drills and fire alarm tests were carried out along with regular audits of emergency and contingency planning.
There were sufficient staff present to safely meet people’s needs. Staff had undergone checks to ensure that they were of good character to be working with people. Staff had appropriate training and support to meet the needs of people living at the home.
People’s medicines were administered safely. Healthcare professionals had a lot of input into people’s care and staff observed their guidance in providing care to people.
People’s legal rights were protected as staff provided care in line with the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Correct procedures were followed when depriving people of their liberty. Staff followed the guidance of healthcare professionals where appropriate and we saw evidence of staff working alongside healthcare professionals to achieve outcomes for people.
People told us that they enjoyed the food and we saw evidence of people being provided with choice and also being involved in writing menus. People had a good selection of activities to be involved in.
People’s records were kept thorough and up to date with detailed assessments when people were admitted to the home and regular reviews.
People, their relatives and health care professionals were overwhelmingly positive about the care and management provided at this home. Comments about the registered manager, the staff and the service included, ‘Fantastic’, ‘Proactive’ and ‘Exceptionally good’. Staff felt very well supported by the registered manager. People were cared for by staff that were made to feel valued. Many staff had worked at the home for a long time. Staff had many opportunities to further their development and their careers.
The registered manager found creative ways to encourage staff to reflect on their practice and to improve. There was a positive culture amongst the staff team that permeated to the people that they supported and their relatives. Staff were encouraged to make suggestions and the registered manager created an inclusive atmosphere amongst staff and people.
The registered manager had made good links with the local community and other organisations to develop good practice amongst staff as well as improving practice in social care overall through participation in studies and initiatives.