20 May 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
People's experience of using this service and what we found
There had been significant improvements following the inspection of August 2019. Positive changes had been made to the oversight of pressure mattresses to ensure they were set at the required setting for each person. This helped to reduce the risk of people developing pressure sores. Protocols were in place for people who were prescribed blood thinning medicines following a fall. Thickening agents were stored safely and had been removed from people’s rooms. Records were revised and were clearer about the type of hoist slings that staff could leave in-situ for people. This meant the risk of harm to people had been reduced.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Requires Improvement (published 17 September 2019). At our last inspection we found there was a lack of guidance for monitoring people on blood thinning medicines following a fall, unsafe storage of thickening agents and the incorrect settings for pressure mattresses presented a potential risk to some people. We recommended the provider reviewed the quality assurance system to reflect current best practice.
At this inspection we found improvements had been made. Changes had been made to manage the safety of people’s bed mattress’s to ensure they were set at the correct pressure for people. Thickening agents were safely locked away to avoid harm. Guidance was in place to help monitor people who were prescribed blood thinning meds. People were no longer left with hoist slings under them. If they were then risk assessments were in place and a different type of hoist sling had been purchased. Clear quality assurance systems were with in place with audits of the home and people’s care regularly carried out.
All staff understood their responsibility to keep people safe from harm. Risks to people had been assessed with actions in place to help keep people safe. There was enough staff to safely provide care and support. Checks were carried out on staff before they started work to assess their suitability. Medicines were well managed, and people received their medicines as prescribed.
People and staff felt positive about the registered manager and the management of the home. The registered manager was aware of their duty of candour. Effective quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of care. Audits had improved which helped to identify any shortfalls. There was an open and inclusive culture in the home. The registered manager worked closely with the clinical lead and the quality manager. The area manager had oversight of the home by visiting the home and carrying out checks.
Why we inspected
We carried out an inspection of this service on 8 August 2019. We rated the service requires improvement in Safe and Well Led due to the shortfalls, which we identified. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve safe care and treatment.
We undertook this focused inspection to check the provider had followed their action plan and to confirm they now met legal requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to the Key Questions Safe and Well-led.
For those key questions not inspected, we used the ratings awarded at the last inspection to calculate the overall rating. The overall rating for the service has changed from Requires Improvement to Good. This is based on the findings at this inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Wessex House on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.