Gingercroft Residential Home

Although inspectors found serious safety failures, people told them they felt safe and described staff as kind and friendly.

“I am happy here. I feel safe, staff help us. They [staff] are nice, and friendly.” from the report

Inspectors observed staff asking for consent before supporting people. People also described staff as kind and gentle.

“They [staff] are kind and gentle.” from the report

People were generally satisfied with the food and said they could choose something else if they did not like the menu.

“We have lovely choices and fresh food which is nice.” from the report

Inspectors found that checks of gas, electrical and fire detection systems had been carried out.

“Checks, such as on gas, electrical and fire detection systems were made to ensure they remained safe for people to live there.” from the report

The registered manager accepted the concerns raised by inspectors and the local authority and had started some improvements.

“The registered manager was open to feedback and open to working to resolve the issues we and the local authority identified during our visits.” from the report

Potential abuse incidents were not always identified, investigated or referred to the local safeguarding authority. This left people at risk of continuing abuse.

“People were not protected from the risk of abuse. Systems were not in place to identify instances of abuse.” from the report

Care plans did not always address choking, falls or distressed behaviour. There were also gaps in recording an antibiotic, so inspectors could not be sure it was given as prescribed.

“This meant we could not be sure the person received their medicines as prescribed.” from the report

Some staff had not had all the required employment, identity and background checks. Staff were also not always positioned where they could see people or respond to requests for help.

“There were periods of time where communal areas were unattended, and people were left with no staff and no way of summoning assistance independently.” from the report

Decision-specific mental capacity assessments were not always completed. A relative's legal authority to make decisions had not been checked in one case.

“The provider had failed to ensure appropriate decision-specific mental capacity assessments were carried out.” from the report

The home's quality monitoring systems did not reliably identify problems or check that they were fixed. Required notifications were also not always submitted.

“Quality assurance systems in place were not effective at identifying and addressing concerns.” from the report

Parts of the building needed repair and redecoration. Inspectors also found weaknesses in hygiene arrangements and said a recent COVID-19 outbreak had not been reported externally.

“A recent infection control audit from health professionals identified a large number of actions showing hygiene practices in the home were not always suitable.” from the report