What the CQC found at Firbank House

The home completed checks before staff were employed, including DBS checks and references from previous employers.

“The service had safe employment checks in place to ensure suitable staff were employed to care for people at the service.” from the report

Staff understood how to report safeguarding concerns. Systems were in place to monitor allegations and report them to the local authority.

“Staff told us they would report any safeguarding concerns to management and were confident they would be acted upon.” from the report

The management team responded to inspectors' feedback and said they corrected people's risk management plans during the inspection.

“The registered manager was responsive to our concerns raised on inspection and told us they would take action to remedy any shortfalls.” from the report

People and relatives told inspectors that people felt safe and that staff were helpful, patient and caring.

“People told us they felt safe at Firbank House.” from the report

Medicines were not always stored, disposed of or recorded safely. Inspectors found errors in stock records and missing information about medicine timings and opening dates.

“Medicines were not always stored and disposed of safely; the medicines room was above recommended temperatures and one medicines trolley was not secured to the wall.” from the report

Some care records gave conflicting or missing information about people's food and drink needs. This created a risk that people could receive food or fluids that were unsafe for them.

“This meant there was a risk people could receive food and drink that was not safe for them.” from the report

Some bedrooms and shared areas were not clean. Staff did not always use protective aprons correctly, and soiled laundry and waste were not always managed properly.

“Some areas of the home were not clean. These included the main kitchen, sluice room, bathrooms and corridors.” from the report

Audits did not consistently identify or fix problems with records, medicines, infection control and the environment. This meant the provider did not have full oversight of the home.

“The provider had not always ensured full oversight of the operations of the home, leading to the concerns identified in this inspection.” from the report

Some flooring was bubbled or torn and created a trip hazard. Inspectors also found areas needing refurbishment and a fire service notice of deficiencies relating to fire doors.

“Vinyl flooring in some communal corridors was bubbled and torn and created a trip hazard for people, paintwork and décor required renewal.” from the report

New staff did not always complete all mandatory training before providing care and support. The manager said they did not work alone until training was complete.

“We found that new staff did not complete all of their mandatory training prior to providing care and support to people.” from the report