What the CQC found at Dalvington/The Oaks

Inspectors found that medicines were received, stored, given and disposed of safely. Staff had medicines training and their competence was checked.

“Medicines were received, stored, administered and disposed of safely.” from the report

The home had infection-control procedures, visitor guidance and hand wash available during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There were systems in place to prevent and control infection for staff to follow good practice guidelines.” from the report

Relatives told inspectors they were positive about the care and generally felt their family members were safe.

“Relatives were positive about how their family members were cared for.” from the report

The manager worked with health and social care professionals to support people's needs.

“The registered manager worked with other health and social care professionals such as speech and language therapists and community learning disability nurses to support people's needs.” from the report

Staff said there were not always enough people on duty, particularly at weekends. This could affect personal care, meals and the response to emergencies.

“Staff did not feel there were always enough of them on shift to support the people who lived at the home, particularly at weekends.” from the report

Risk assessments did not cover all aspects of people's needs. Inspectors found missing guidance for specialist equipment and a missing part of another person's equipment.

“Risks assessments were in place and reviewed monthly, however we found they did not cover all aspects of people's needs to help keep them safe.” from the report

Mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions were not completed to show that the correct process had been followed. The provider said these would be completed again and staff would receive training.

“The mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions were not completed to confirm the Mental Capacity Act had been followed and correct decisions had been made.” from the report

The provider's checks did not reliably identify failures in incident reporting, staffing arrangements, safety reviews or staff training. This led to a continued breach of Regulation 17.

“At this inspection we found not enough improvement had been made and the provider was still in breach of Regulation 17, as the provider's quality checking systems and practices required further improvement.” from the report

Some staff said they felt unable to raise concerns without being penalised. Inspectors asked the provider to investigate these comments.

“Some staff felt they were supported by the registered manager, but others stated they felt they could not raise concerns for fear of being penalised.” from the report

Although staff were seen wearing masks, one staff member serving food was not wearing gloves and an apron. The manager said staff would be reminded about the guidance.

“We saw a staff member serving people's food not wearing gloves and aprons.” from the report