Halton View Care Home

Inspectors saw staff being gentle and supportive. They found that staff knew people well and had formed positive relationships.

“Interactions between staff delivering care and support to people were positive. Staff were gentle and supportive in their approach, and it was evident that positive relationships had been formed.” from the report

The newly recruited manager understood the role and had identified areas needing improvement. An action plan was being developed with local authority support.

“The newly recruited manager was responsive during the inspection. They had already identified areas of improvement needed around the service” from the report

On the ground floor, people had formed friendships and were seen talking, reading, doing puzzles and playing board games.

“People living on the ground floor told us that friendships had been formed with others and we saw people gathering in the lounge” from the report

Care needs and related risks were not routinely assessed, reviewed or reduced. This exposed people to a risk of harm.

“People were exposed to a risk of harm as their care needs and associated risks had not been routinely assessed, reviewed, monitored, or mitigated.” from the report

Inspectors found problems with allergy information, staff competency checks, creams, timing, controlled drugs and medicines that were crushed for swallowing.

“Medicines to be administered at certain times were not always given at the prescribed times.” from the report

Incident and safeguarding procedures were not always followed. Some incidents were not referred, investigated or reported quickly enough.

“Those incidents that had been reported were not always reported in a timely manner and therefore, actions to mitigate risk of harm to people were delayed.” from the report

Quality checks did not reliably identify or correct problems. Records did not show consistently what care had been planned, provided or offered.

“Monitoring systems failed to identify and/or address all shortfalls found during the inspection process with risk management and mitigation, medicines management and governance.” from the report

People on the first floor were not seen taking part in activities or social interaction. Meal choices and communication information were also inconsistent.

“No activities or interactions were seen to take place for people living on the first floor.” from the report

Some areas were visibly unclean, including kitchen spaces. Some food was undated or out of date, and a frayed stair carpet created a potential trip hazard.

“Areas of the service were visibly unclean. Small kitchen areas had a build-up of food debris on equipment, floors and walls.” from the report