Birdscroft Nursing Home

People and relatives spoke positively about staff. Inspectors saw warm, patient interactions that respected people's dignity and individuality.

“Throughout the inspection we observed staff to be warm, friendly and respectful.” from the report

Staff had suitable training and induction. People were referred to healthcare professionals appropriately, and staff followed the advice they received.

“Staff were suitably trained to meet people's needs.” from the report

The home had a regular activities programme shaped by people's preferences. People and relatives gave positive feedback about the activities and events.

“There was a regular and established programme of activities which met people's individual needs” from the report

Medicines were stored and administered safely by qualified nurses. Records explained gaps and included photographs and allergy information.

“Medicines were managed and stored safely.” from the report

The home's internal checks did not identify several problems found by inspectors. This meant risks were not consistently reduced or improvements sustained.

“The provider did not have a consistent approach to effective quality monitoring.” from the report

Inspectors found unpleasant odours, poor handwashing and laundry handling practices, and worn bed bumpers that were harder to clean. These findings created potential infection risks.

“It was identified during the site visit that staff were not following good practice guidance regarding handwashing and how linen was managed in the laundry area.” from the report

Some records did not explain clearly how staff should manage risks or support particular needs. Examples included distress, mobility, skin care and mental health-related behaviours.

“Some risk assessments lacked information for staff about ways in which those risks should be mitigated.” from the report

Capacity assessments and best-interest decisions were not always recorded properly. Records sometimes gave conflicting information about whether people had capacity.

“Some decisions were recorded as best interest decisions.” from the report

Although staffing was judged sufficient overall, reducing the afternoon care team from six to five left less time for social interaction and, according to one staff member, personal care.

“At other times, staff did not have time to engage on a social level with people.” from the report