Heathland Court Care Home

Staff were given enough time off after long shifts and were no longer working excessive consecutive hours. Inspectors found staffing levels were adequate during the visit.

“We were assured the risk of people receiving support from fatigued staff who had worked excessive hours without sufficient time off had now been mitigated.” from the report

Inspectors observed staff responding to people's needs and preferences in a respectful way. People and visitors also described staff as kind and friendly.

“We observed staff constantly attending to people's needs and wishes, making sure they were happy and comfortable.” from the report

People, relatives and staff said the new management team was approachable and accessible. The home gathered views through meetings, reviews and surveys.

“People living in the care home, their relatives and staff working there all spoke positively about how approachable, accessible, and supportive the new management team were.” from the report

The home had not had a registered manager for 16 months. A new acting manager had applied to register, but this had not yet been completed at the inspection.

“However, the care home had been without a registered manager for 16 months.” from the report

Inspectors heard concerns about repeated changes in managers and the effect this could have on stability and consistency.

“We've had 5 different managers in 5 years. We desperately need a stable management team to help us provide people with consistent, good quality care they deserve.” from the report

Daily checks and accurate records of the temperature in all clinical rooms storing medicines had not been maintained. The provider said suitable checks were introduced after the inspection.

“However, the provider had failed to conduct daily checks and kept accurate records of the room temperature of all their clinical rooms where peoples prescribed medicines were stored.” from the report