What the CQC found at Buckler's Lodge Care Home

Care plans reflected people's needs, preferences and daily routines. People and relatives were involved in planning care.

“Care plans were individualised and reflected people's current needs, preferences and daily routines.” from the report

People and relatives described staff as kind and respectful. Inspectors saw staff asking permission, knocking before entering rooms and offering choices.

“People told us staff were kind and caring.” from the report

Staff worked with health professionals and helped people attend health checks and appointments.

“Staff worked with professionals such as physiotherapists and specialists to support good outcomes for people.” from the report

The home offered activities seven days a week and supported people to spend time with relatives and avoid social isolation.

“The home employed 2 activities co-ordinators to ensure that there was an activity co-ordinator present seven days a week.” from the report

Medicines were stored securely, given as prescribed and recorded accurately. Staff had training and competency checks.

“People received their medicines as prescribed and the service had safe medicine storage systems in place.” from the report

Safeguarding incidents were not always reported to all the appropriate authorities or investigated fully. This left people at continued risk of harm.

“Incidents were not always investigated thoroughly and action plans to mitigate the risk or reoccurrences were not always completed.” from the report

The recruitment records checked did not contain all the required evidence about previous employment and conduct. This could put people at risk of being supported by unsuitable staff.

“None of these included verification of reason for staff leaving their previous roles.” from the report

Some people said there were not enough staff and that care sometimes took longer. The provider was recruiting and using agency staff to cover absences.

“They're so busy and so understaffed that things sometimes take longer.” from the report

Audits and governance systems did not identify important problems with safeguarding, recruitment and incidents. Staff also reported that important information was not always shared.

“The registered manager had failed to implement effective governance systems.” from the report

The gas safety certificate had expired before the inspection, and one person's emergency evacuation plan had not been updated after their mobility changed. The plan was updated during the inspection and the certificate was completed shortly afterwards.

“The service's gas safety certificate had expired on 18 August 2022.” from the report

Care plans were not always reviewed monthly as stated in people's records. The registered manager said this would be addressed.

“Care plans were not always reviewed monthly as indicated in people's care files.” from the report