What the CQC found at Chosen Court

Staff said they felt able to raise safeguarding concerns. When a concern was raised during the inspection, action was taken to share information with relevant parties and protect the person.

“One person raised a safeguarding concern during our inspection. The registered manager took effective action to share information with all relevant parties and safeguard the individual.” from the report

The home completed required checks before employing staff, including checks of previous employment and suitability.

“All required checks were made before new staff began working at the home.” from the report

Inspectors found that the home was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. Necessary legal authorisations were in place where required.

“We found the service was working within the principles of the MCA and if needed, appropriate legal authorisations were in place to deprive a person of their liberty.” from the report

Staff had medicine training and competency checks. Inspectors also found evidence that medicines had been reviewed with professionals.

“Staff were trained to handle medicines in a safe way. They completed appropriate training and had their competencies assessed to make sure their practice was safe.” from the report

Instructions for some medicines were missing or unclear, and staff did not always sign medicine records. This created a risk that people might not receive medicines as prescribed.

“People might not receive their PRN ("when required") medicines when needed. Staff did not have information on exactly when and how they should be administered.” from the report

Care plans did not always explain what staff should do for specific health risks. Fire evacuation plans had not been updated during building work and could delay an evacuation.

“They did not always direct staff to the nearest available primary exit in the event of a fire. This could delay emergency evacuation.” from the report

The home's checks did not consistently find or resolve problems with medicines and unsafe equipment. This was one of the areas linked to a legal breach.

“The provider had failed to ensure their systems to monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service were operating effectively.” from the report

People and relatives gave mixed feedback about activities. Records did not clearly say how activities would be restarted or what support people would receive while waiting.

“We recommend the provider review all people's activity and engagement preferences and goals and clearly record them for staff to follow.” from the report

People and relatives knew how to complain, but the records did not always show how complaints had been investigated, resolved or used for learning.

“There was not always a clear record of the outcome of the complaint and action taken to resolve the issues raised and learning.” from the report

The home had experienced high staff turnover and was using agency staff to maintain staffing levels. This meant staff were not always able to explain people's needs without checking records.

“A high level of staff turnover had meant the service had recently become more reliant on agency staff.” from the report