The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Ipswich Walk

2 Ipswich Walk, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, West Midlands, B37 5QX (0121) 770 7620

Provided and run by:
Home Group Limited

All Inspections

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

Following our inspection of Ipswich Walk on 2 July 2013 we asked the provider to take steps to ensure a number of shortfalls in the administration and recording of medication were put right. This was because on the day of our visit to the home we had noted that medication was not audited regularly. This meant errors might not be spotted and put right in a timely manner. We noted one instance of medication taken from the wrong day in a 'blister' pack. We also noted records of medications returned to the pharmacy had often not been signed for. We saw an audit by Community Services Pharmacy Technician in December 2012 which had also noted shortfalls in the administration and recording of medicines.

We asked the provider to send us a report explaining what action they had taken to become compliant with Regulation 13, Management of medicines.

The report from the provider showed us that a number of measures had been put in place. These included improved dispensing systems, improved and more regular auditing (including a daily checking of medications) and improved competency testing for staff.

The provider also arranged for a return visit by the Community Services Pharmacy Technician. They sent us a copy of the report from this visit. This showed that required improvements had been made on previous action points.

2 July 2013

During a routine inspection

We visited Ipswich Walk unannounced and spoke with four staff and four people who lived at the home. We observed interactions in the home and looked at a sample of care records. These gave clear guidelines for supporting people. Staff demonstrated a good awareness of people's needs and how to meet them. There were sufficient members of staff on duty to support people. People who lived at the home expressed contentment with the support they received. 'Staff are good here, they help you,' one person told us.

People told us they were content with the support they had and could raise concerns if they had them. Two people raised concerns with us. One concerned an incident external to the home, which was dealt with by the police. The other concerned an incident from over a year ago, which we saw had been addressed.

There were shortfalls noted in the administration and monitoring of medication which the provider is required to address.

The home has narrow corridors and has communal facilities such as a shared dining room, lounge, laundry, medication and kitchenette areas. Staff and people who lived at Ipswich Walk were enthusiastic about plans to move to a new setting nearby with individual flats and facilities.

5 July 2012

During a routine inspection

The home was quiet and calm, with, on average, around six or seven people using the communal areas at any one time. Some people were out at activities, or on supported visits to health centres, whilst others preferred to spend time in their rooms. Two people came to the office with specific queries; others spent time in either of the two lounges, or the outdoor smoking area. In all, we saw ten residents and spoke at length with four. All were complimentary about the staff and the home, although one wanted to move, for personal reasons. An outside professional visited later in the day to discuss this, amongst other things, with them.

People we spoke with were positive about the service. 'The staff are very kind' and 'I enjoy it here'. These were comments from users who are sometimes not readily forthcoming with praise. People were relaxed with each other and staff. We saw people approaching staff and the office with confidence and with the expectation of what they wanted or needed.