Fernhill House

People were protected by safeguarding systems, and staff had received training about abuse.

“People were safeguarded from the risk of harm or abuse.” from the report

Inspectors found enough staff to meet people's needs and safe recruitment checks.

“Safe recruitment practices were in place to ensure only staff suitable to work with vulnerable people were employed.” from the report

People, relatives and staff described managers as approachable and willing to listen. The manager was involved in the day-to-day running of the home.

“There was an open and positive culture.” from the report

Inspectors were assured that the home had suitable arrangements for preventing and managing infections.

“We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.” from the report

Some topical creams were not securely stored, and some lacked risk assessments, prescription labels or opening dates. Inspectors also found concerns about medicines given covertly.

“There were no risk assessments for paraffin based topical creams.” from the report

The home did not always follow the Mental Capacity Act. Covert medicines were started without evidence of a best-interest decision, and three DoLS authorisations had expired without evidence of re-application.

“The covert procedure had already been implemented without a DoLS or best interest decision prior to this being commenced.” from the report

Some care plans and risk assessments were overdue. Inspectors also found limited evidence that wound-care plans had improved after earlier local authority feedback.

“Some people's care plans, and risk assessments were out-of-date on the first day of our inspection.” from the report

The home's audits had not identified the problems found during the inspection. This meant the provider's systems were not reliably driving improvement.

“Governance at the service was not always effective because the provider's system did not always effectively monitor the quality of care provided to drive improvements.” from the report