Walberton Place Care Home

People and relatives said care staff were kind and caring, although there were concerns about communication.

“People and their relatives told us the care staff were kind and caring but there were concerns about communication at the home.” from the report

The home had checks in place before staff were employed, including references and DBS checks.

“The provider had safe systems in place for recruiting staff.” from the report

Mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions were recorded, and deprivation of liberty authorisations were monitored.

“The provider was working in line with the Mental Capacity Act.” from the report

People could receive visitors without restrictions, in line with the guidance referred to in the report.

“People were able to receive visitors without restrictions in line with best practice guidance.” from the report

Risk assessments and care plans did not always give staff the information needed to keep people safe. Inspectors observed unsafe support for a person at high risk of choking.

“The provider did not always assess risks to ensure people were safe.” from the report

PRN instructions were not always followed, records were unclear, and medicine stock records contained errors. One person's pain relief was not recorded in their care plan or administration records.

“Some PRN protocols were not being consistently followed by staff and medicine administration record (MAR) charts were not clear.” from the report

Inspectors raised safeguarding alerts for two people. Some incidents had not been identified or reported as possible safeguarding concerns, and staff could not always explain how they would recognise abuse.

“People were not always protected from abuse and improper treatment.” from the report

During a COVID-19 outbreak, not all staff wore masks and some were unsure about personal protective equipment. The manager had not reviewed the infection control risk assessment or current guidance.

“People were not always protected from the risk of infection as staff were not consistently following safe infection prevention and control practices” from the report

Staff did not always have the skills or confidence to manage people's needs, including allergies, falls, catheter care and additional support needs.

“The provider had not ensured all staff had the skills and competence to provide care safely.” from the report

Audits did not identify inaccurate records, missing care information or medicine discrepancies. Repeated action plans had not reduced problems such as falls or embedded learning.

“There had been a continued failure to make, and sustain, improvements over time.” from the report