What the CQC found at Aslockton Hall Nursing & Residential Home

Medicines records, storage and administration had improved. Staff had their competence checked regularly.

“Improved processes to people's medicine administration records, medicine care plans and the way medicines were stored, meant the risk of unsafe medicine practice had been reduced.” from the report

Inspectors saw positive interactions. Staff respected people's dignity, privacy and independence.

“Staff were kind and caring and treated people with respect.” from the report

Care plans included people's needs, preferences, life histories and communication requirements. People and relatives were involved in decisions about care.

“People received care that was personal to them, met their needs and were consulted on how they would like their care to be provided.” from the report

The provider investigated incidents, looked for patterns and used learning in staff meetings and supervision.

“There was a culture of learning from mistakes and improving care.” from the report

The ratings improved from Requires Improvement to Good. Inspectors found improvements in medicines, infection control, staff training, supervision and quality checks.

“The home was well managed and improvements had been made since our last inspection in areas such as medicines and infection control.” from the report

There was no registered manager at the time of the inspection because the previous manager had left. A new manager was being recruited and the provider planned to apply for registration.

“At the time of our inspection there was not a registered manager in post.” from the report

Fewer domestic staff were used on three days of the week. Inspectors thought this could increase the risk that some areas would not be cleaned sufficiently, so more staff were being recruited.

“We saw the home was clean and tidy; however, staff rotas did show less staff were used on three days of the week.” from the report

Most training was up to date, but inspectors identified some subjects where staff needed refresher training. The provider said this would be addressed immediately.

“Most staff training was up to date. We highlighted some areas of training where staff required a 'refresher' course.” from the report

Staff sometimes had difficulty finding risk records while the home moved from paper to electronic records. This change was still in progress.

“Risks to people's health and safety were assessed and reviewed, although when asked, staff at times had difficulties finding the required records.” from the report

Three care staff had limited understanding of the whistleblowing policy and what to do if they had concerns. The policy was reissued and discussed with staff after inspectors raised this.

“We did note when speaking with 3 members of the care staff they had limited understanding of the provider's whistleblowing policy and processes to follow should they have concerns.” from the report

Similar carpets and walls, together with limited signs, could make it confusing for some people to find communal areas or bedrooms. The provider agreed to add signs.

“With little signage informing people where the communal areas were or the direction of certain numbered bedrooms, we were concerned this could be confusing for some people.” from the report