Delph House

Environmental risks were mostly better managed than at the previous inspection. The home was undergoing refurbishment and safety systems were regularly tested.

“Risks relating to the environment were mostly well managed and much improved from our last inspection.” from the report

Staff had medicines training and showed a good understanding of medicines that had to be given at particular times. There was one stock control discrepancy.

“Medicines were well managed, and records were mostly accurate.” from the report

People and relatives gave broadly positive feedback about the care. Relatives described staff as kind and said they were usually informed about falls or changes.

“People using the service and relatives gave us broadly positive feedback about the care and support provided.” from the report

Inspectors found the home clean, with no unpleasant smells in communal areas. They were also assured about the use of protective equipment and infection outbreak arrangements.

“The service was clean and there were no unpleasant odours in any communal areas.” from the report

Some risks, including supervision, repositioning, topical creams and use of the main staircase, were not fully assessed or reduced. Inspectors could not be fully assured that repositioning always followed people's risk assessments.

“The provider had failed to ensure people always received safe care and treatment.” from the report

Several safeguarding incidents had not been reported to the CQC without delay. One incident had not been referred to the police even though the person involved had asked for this.

“The provider had failed to submit required notifications.” from the report

Some staff did not have enough confidence, spoken English or understanding to recognise and respond promptly when people's health changed. Further training and careful monitoring were needed.

“They told us staff did not always recognise and act promptly when a person's health was deteriorating or their needs changing.” from the report

Staff were sometimes gathered in the staff room, leaving upstairs and communal areas without staff for periods. This had also been found at the previous inspection.

“We identified staff were occasionally gathering in the staff room on the ground floor, leaving the upstairs and communal areas unstaffed for periods of time.” from the report

Audits did not always identify problems, including unsafe fridge, freezer and water temperatures. Care records also contained gaps and inconsistencies.

“Although we noted a wider scope of audits was now in place not all the issues we raised had been identified by the provider's own processes.” from the report