The Meadows

Inspectors found enough staff on duty and saw staff respond quickly to people. Recruitment checks were also in line with government guidance.

“There were enough staff on duty to meet people's needs. We observed staff around the building and saw they responded quickly to people.” from the report

Medicines were administered by trained staff who had regular competency checks. Administration records showed medicines had been given as prescribed.

“We looked at medicine administration records (MARs) which had all been signed to indicate people had received their medicines as prescribed.” from the report

People were supported with food and drink, including modified or enriched diets where needed. Staff sought advice from health professionals when people's health or weight changed.

“People were supported to maintain their nutritional needs and referred to appropriate health professionals when needed” from the report

Staff and relatives were positive about the culture. Staff said managers listened, supported them and encouraged teamwork.

“The registered manager had developed a positive staff culture. Staff said they worked well as a team.” from the report

Some risk assessments were not reviewed regularly and did not give staff clear instructions. This included risks linked to falls, poor nutrition, skin damage and distressed behaviour.

“Some risk assessments had not been routinely reviewed and were not robust.” from the report

Two people's bedrails did not have covers and had gaps that created a risk of entrapment. The management team said this was corrected during the inspection.

“Two people's bedrails had no covers on them. There were gaps in the rails and a risk of entrapment.” from the report

Inspectors saw at least five staff wearing nail varnish or gel nails. They were not always assured that the home was supporting people to minimise infection spread.

“We observed at least five staff members wearing nail varnish and/or gel nails.” from the report

Consent and mental capacity records did not always show who had been involved in decisions. Quality checks had not identified these problems before the inspection.

“The systems for quality assurance and monitoring were not always effective and had not identified the shortfalls we encountered during the inspection.” from the report

Some instructions for medicines used when people were anxious or distressed were too limited. They did not explain what staff should try before giving the medicine.

“PRN protocols were in place, but they lacked detailed personalised information for staff who administered medicines.” from the report