What the CQC found at Gowlands

People and relatives told inspectors they felt safe. Staff understood safeguarding procedures, and risk plans were in place to support people's freedom while reducing risks.

“People told us they felt safe when they stayed at Gowlands.” from the report

Staff listened to people and understood their individual likes, dislikes and preferred routines. Inspectors saw respectful and considerate interactions.

“Staff interacted with people in a kind and considerate way and took time to listen closely to what people were saying to them.” from the report

Care plans covered people's personal, cultural, communication and support needs. Activities and community links were arranged around people's choices and abilities.

“People were provided with opportunities to try new things and to do things they enjoyed.” from the report

Inspectors found enough staff to meet people's needs. Recruitment checks, including references and DBS checks, were completed before staff started.

“There were sufficient staffing levels to meet people's care and support needs safely.” from the report

The home had been without a registered manager since December 2016. Two senior leaders were sharing day-to-day responsibility, and a new manager and deputy manager were due to start after the inspection.

“The service had been without a registered manager since December 2016.” from the report

Some medicine audits, checks of staff competence and observations of staff practice had not continued since the previous inspection. The provider said it was addressing these gaps.

“Some internal audit and quality assurance systems such as medication audits, checks to ensure staff remained competent to administer medication and observations of staff practice had not been sustained since our last inspection.” from the report

A handwritten medicines administration record had been completed by one staff member. Inspectors raised this with senior staff, who said two staff would check and sign such records.

“However, we noted a handwritten MAR for one person had been completed by one member of staff.” from the report

Formal observations of some staff practice had not been completed, and staff supervision had been irregular during 2017. The report says a supervision planner was introduced and regular supervisions had taken place from November 2017.

“Records showed that staff supervisions had been irregular in 2017.” from the report