Highgate Road

Inspectors found that medicines were managed safely and that staff followed infection prevention procedures, including using protective equipment safely.

“We saw that medicines were managed safely. This included the; ordering, storage, administration, recording and disposal of medicines.” from the report

People, relatives and staff described a positive service. The provider had systems for learning from problems and improving care.

“The provider had created a learning culture at the service which improved the care people received.” from the report

Inspectors found enough suitably skilled staff, with staffing adjusted when people's needs required it. Directly employed staff had been recruited with the required checks.

“People and their relatives told us and we saw there were enough suitably skilled staff to support people in line with their agreed needs.” from the report

One alleged abuse incident had not been reported to the local authority or CQC as required. The manager had kept the person safe and showed inspectors that learning had taken place.

“However, we found 1 incident of alleged abuse that had not been reported to the local authority or us as required.” from the report

The provider did not always complete checks to make sure self-employed workers were safe to work with people. CQC recommended an effective checking system.

“Where staff were not directly employed by the provider (self employed staff) checks were not always made to ensure these staff were safe to work with people.” from the report

Two specialist chairs were in poor condition and posed an infection risk. The manager was taking action when inspectors raised this.

“Two of the specialist chairs used at the service were in a poor condition posing an infection risk.” from the report

Some day-to-day checks were completed but not formally recorded. The manager introduced a new system after the inspection to record checks and actions taken.

“However, some day-to-day checks completed by the manager were not formally recorded to show they had been completed.” from the report

People took part in activities at home and in the community. However, some staff and one relative felt people could access the community more often.

“Although some staff and a relative felt people could access the community on a more frequent basis.” from the report