Dimensions Somerset Newholme

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

People received safe care which met their needs and respected their rights.

This service scored 69 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People looked happy and relaxed with the staff who supported them. Feedback from people’s relatives indicted people felt safe living at the home. One person said “Yes” when we asked if they felt safe. One relative told us, “I definitely do feel they are safe.”

The registered manager and provider ensured that all safeguarding concerns were shared with the appropriate authorities in an open and transparent way.

Staff had received training in recognising abuse and safeguarding. All staff said they were confident any issues raised would be fully investigated to make sure people were protected.

People appeared very comfortable with the staff. We saw smiles and happy gestures throughout the day.

We observed people being supported by staff safely and risk measures were being implemented.

There was an audit system in place to ensure that any incident was fully investigated, and action taken to minimise the risk of re-occurrence.

Staff were aware of people’s risks and provided care in accordance with their assessments.

Risk assessments were carried out to make sure people received their care safely. For example, we saw one person's risk assessment said they needed to wear particular shoes when moving around the home. We saw they were wearing these.

Staff and leaders did not raise any concerns about the safety of the environment or the equipment in use.

We did not observe anything in the environment which concerned us.

People lived in an environment where regular health and safety checks were carried out on the building and equipment. This helped to promote people’s safety. One relative told us, “The environment is always clean and tidy. They’ve tried very hard to make it a nice space for them to have. They have a little sensory room now which is really good.”

Processes were in place to make sure regular health and safety checks were carried out. This included checking fire detecting equipment, water temperatures and quality and lifting equipment.

The provider had processes in place to make sure staff were safely recruited and received adequate training to fulfil their roles. This included induction and on-going training.

People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff to meet their physical, emotional and social needs. Staff supported people in an unhurried manner and were able to spend time providing social stimulation. One relative told us; “I think there’s enough staff. There’s a few that look after him and they have other people there as well. They have the same people. They know him well. I’m happy where he is. This lot are really great, I can’t fault them.”

We observed people being supported by sufficient staff. When agency staff were used, they were consistent and knew people well.

Staff felt well supported and valued. They told us they had appropriate training to meet people’s needs.

All areas of the home were clean and fresh. Personal protective equipment was available for staff to use when needed.

People lived in a clean and pleasant environment.

Staff told us they had undertaken training in infection control and good practice was also discussed at a staff meeting.

The registered manager carried out regular audits of cleanliness and infection prevention and control practices within the home. There was a thorough cleaning regime in place. Cleaning was shared between both day and night staff. Clear records were kept of when each task was completed. The registered manager monitored this as part of their role.

At the last inspection we recommended that the provider completed a review to ensure they were storing medicines in line with appropriate good practice guidance. At this assessments we did not identify any concerns in relation to this. Accurate records were kept of medicines administered or refused. This enabled the effectiveness of medicines and prescribed creams to be monitored.

People received their medicines safely from staff who had received training in safe administration of medicines.

All staff who administered medicines undertook training and had their competency assessed.