What the CQC found at Ashmore Nursing Home

People appeared comfortable with staff. Feedback from people and relatives was mostly positive about staff being approachable and communicating well.

“There was mostly positive feedback from people and their relatives about staff approachability and good communication.” from the report

The report found that people were generally supported to make choices and were cared for in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests” from the report

Staff were visible and responded to call bells promptly during the inspection.

“We observed staff were visible and responding to call bells in a timely manner.” from the report

Staff had safeguarding training and could explain what they would do if they had concerns about abuse.

“Staff had received training in safeguarding and had an awareness and understanding of abuse and their responsibilities to protect people.” from the report

Some people did not have clear care and risk plans. Gaps of up to nine hours in repositioning records increased the risk of skin damage.

“The failure to follow risk assessments and ensure that people were assisted to reposition at regular intervals placed people at increased risk of skin breakdown.” from the report

Records did not always show that medicines had been given. There were also problems with medicine storage, fridge temperature checks and unauthorised covert administration.

“We were not assured people had received their medicines as prescribed.” from the report

Some staff started work before required background checks were complete, and not all required references had been obtained.

“Staff started work prior to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) safety checks had been obtained.” from the report

The home's audits did not identify important problems with safety, medicines, care records and risk management. This was a breach of the good governance regulation.

“The governance systems in place were not robust enough to independently identify shortfalls and address them.” from the report

Some people waited a long time for washing and other personal care. People spending time alone in their rooms did not always receive enough social contact or planned activities.

“Further work was needed to ensure people isolated in their rooms had sufficient staff to meet their social and emotional needs including planned activities to protect them from the risk of social isolation.” from the report

Staff did not consistently wear face masks correctly. Inspectors also found flies, uncovered food, some bad smells and equipment needing cleaning.

“Throughout our inspection we observed staff did not consistently wear face masks or had their face mask sitting under their mouth and nose.” from the report