St Bridgets Care Centre

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 were safe and protected from harm, procedures in place meant risks were managed well. There were enough staff who were skilled to provide care and support. People received medicines as prescribed. Lessons were learnt from events within the home. Infection prevention and control measures were robust. People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment when this is in their best interests and legally authorised under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). In care homes, and some hospitals, this is usually through MCA application procedures called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA, whether appropriate legal authorisations were in place when needed to deprive a person of their liberty, and whether any conditions relating to those authorisations were being met.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People and their relatives told us they were assured by the home learning from experiences and making improvements.

Events within the home were recorded and learning was discussed in staff supervisions and team meetings. Staff told inspectors about the role of equipment to keep people safe. This included the use of call bells, and the importance of checking people had these on their person in all areas of the home to reduce the risk of harm.

The registered manager analysed accidents and incidents for trends. Where necessary, they sought input from the nominated individual to agree an action plan to reduce the risk of recurrence.

People and their relatives told us the registered manager and care staff contacted health and social care professionals to ensure people had the care and equipment they needed to be safe. One person stated, “I know I’m safe and I know all my records are up to date, they are always working on them.”

Staff told us how they keep people safe with the use of equipment and by identifying and removing any hazards before providing people support.

Visiting health and social care professionals were confident in the care delivered at St Bridgets Care Centre and told us, “Handovers of patients are informative and detailed and always appropriate” and “I am confident the staff know all the patients well.”

Each of the records viewed had a through pre-admission assessment. People’s current needs, and care requirements were detailed within their care plans and risk assessments.

People told inspectors what being safe meant to them and told us how staff at St Bridgets Care Centre made them feel safe. Comments included, “I don't like being left alone in the lounge, so I always ask the staff to sit with me which they do” and “I know if something wasn't right, I'd go straight to the registered manager who would put it right.”

Staff confidently told inspectors what immediate action they could take to keep people safe from abuse and neglect. Staff unanimously agreed the registered manager would take any concerns raised seriously and confirmed they had received training in the different types of abuse.

We observed safe interactions throughout our inspection. Staff worked in safe ways, for example, when supporting people to move and transfer from place to place.

The home had a safeguarding policy. Records showed safeguarding concerns reported to the registered manager were recorded in detail and reported promptly to the relevant external agencies. This meant external scrutiny was possible to ensure people were safeguarded from abuse.

People told us they were able to make choices about their care. People and their relatives confirmed staff knew how to support them safely and had appropriate training. One person told us, “They know what they are doing. It’s a small close-knit team, they know how I like things just so.”

The registered manager explained the importance of considering the health conditions of people living at St Bridgets Care Centre when asking them to be involved in their care plan. He said, “We have a number of residents diagnosed with conditions that may make them tired the day after a busy day or at certain times of the day, so that isn’t the right time to ask for their participation” and “I like to have a clear explanation for staff of what someone can do on a good day, and what extra help they need on a bad day so residents can be as independent as possible.”

We observed staff working safely with people. Where staff supported people to complete a task, they did this in a respectful, dignified and safe way.

Risks to people were managed and regularly reviewed so that people were protected and their wishes supported and respected. People had risk assessments for all their care and support needs. Risks assessments were personalised, detailed and gave staff clear guidance on ensuring people were supported safely. Risks were managed using the least restrictive practices to ensure people were cared for safely whilst still maintaining their independence as far as possible.

People told us they liked the changes the provider had made to the environment, particularly the new carpets in communal spaces and a bigger television.

Staff told us they had received health and safety training relevant to their role, for example fire safety training, including fire drills. Records confirmed this had taken place.

People looked relaxed and at ease when supported by staff with transfers, using equipment safely. Care staff responded with kindness when they offered reassurance to a person who appeared distressed.

Staff understood and followed the service’s health and safety procedures. The registered manager undertook health and safety audits and ensured any areas for action were addressed.

People told us they were confident staff knew how to support them safely. One person stated, “They know what they are doing, and they do a good job.”

Staff received the training and support to ensure they could carry out their role. Staff told us they felt supported fully by the registered manager. A member of staff said, “The registered manager is great, there's good communication and if the registered manager isn't here there is a plan in place of who to contact.”

The registered manager used a dependency tool to determine how many staff were needed each day and night. During our site visit, staff did not appear rushed and responded promptly to people’s requests for support.

The provider had effective processes to ensure staff had the necessary skills and competence to carry out their roles. Staff were recruited safely. Recruitment records included enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for adults. DBS checks provide information including details about convictions and cautions held on the Police National Computer. This information helps employers make safer recruitment decisions.

People and their relatives told us the home was clean and tidy. This included people’s own bedrooms.

Staff confirmed they knew their responsibilities relating to the upkeep of the home. They explained the importance of keeping the home clean to prevent the spread of infection or ill health.

Staff had access to personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the building. The home was clean, with soap and paper towels available to ensure good hand hygiene.

The registered manager completed infection control audits. St Bridgets Care Centre followed best practice as outlined in the Safer Food, Better Business guidance for care homes.

People told us they received their medicines as prescribed.

Staff told us that they felt well supported with medicines, and they knew how to report any issues. They told us they had training, and competency checks to make sure they gave medicines safely.

People received their medicines safely as prescribed. There were suitable arrangements for the storage, administration and disposal of medicines. When medicines were prescribed to be taken ‘when required’, there were detailed and person-centred protocols in place to guide staff as to when these might be needed.