What the CQC found at Abbeygate

Medicines records were complete, storage temperatures were checked and errors were reported with appropriate action. The previous concern about evenly spaced antibiotics had been addressed.

“MARs were fully completed. Temperatures of medicine storage areas and the medicine fridge were monitored.” from the report

The home completed recruitment checks, including references and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

“The provider completed checks on the suitability of potential staff.” from the report

People and relatives generally said people felt safe. Staff knew how to report abuse and individual risks had been assessed.

“People told us they felt safe and could raise concerns with the management about their care and support.” from the report

The home supported people to keep in touch with relatives and friends during the pandemic, including through a conservatory, video calls and telephone calls.

“People were supported to keep in touch with family and friends.” from the report

On the first inspection day, exposed hot pipes in shared areas and corridors could have caused burns or scalds. Most were covered and made safe by the second visit.

“On day one of our inspection we found exposed hot pipes in the communal areas of the home and in corridors, which put people at potential harm of burns and scalds.” from the report

Some areas were cluttered and difficult to clean. Dirty and clean laundry was carried in the same bags, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

“Some areas of the home such as the staff room, office and hallway leading to the manager's office were cluttered, which was a potential infection control risk and made cleaning difficult.” from the report

The home's audits had not identified the exposed pipes, laundry concerns or clutter. There was no formal action plan to drive the improvements.

“However, these had not identified any of the issues we found on day one of our inspection, such as the exposed pipe work, that systems needed to improve in respect of the laundry or that some areas of the home were cluttered.” from the report

Resident meetings, team meetings and annual surveys had not continued regularly. The last resident meeting was in March 2021 and the last survey was in 2018.

“However, formal systems had not been embedded during the pandemic such as resident meetings or annual surveys.” from the report