What the CQC found at Hartford Court

People told inspectors they felt safe, and staff said they would report safeguarding concerns.

“People told us they felt safe. Staff understood their responsibilities to report any safeguarding concerns.” from the report

People and relatives spoke positively about the kindness and caring nature of the staff team.

“People and their relatives commented on the kind and caring nature of the staff team.” from the report

People were supported to eat and drink, with nutritious food and snack stations available around the home.

“People were supported to eat and drink and offered a nutritious diet. Snack stations were available around the service, including fruit.” from the report

The home was clean and tidy, and its infection control policy was up to date.

“The service was clean and tidy and the provider's infection prevention and control policy was up to date.” from the report

Inspectors found medicines left with people who should have been supervised, doses given too early, incomplete guidance and gaps in records. This created a risk of harm and was a breach of Regulation 12.

“Medicines were not safely managed. We observed staff leaving medicines with people to take who should have been supervised.” from the report

Risk assessments were not always reviewed. Emergency information was not always easy for staff to find, some personal evacuation plans were delayed, and some call bells were not working or within reach. This was a breach of Regulation 12.

“Systems were either not in place or robust enough to demonstrate safety was effectively managed. This placed people at risk of harm.” from the report

Care plans, food and fluid records and records of healthcare visits were not always complete, accurate or reviewed on time. This was a breach of Regulation 17.

“People's needs and choices were assessed but care plans lacked some important details. Records did not always accurately and fully reflect people's care needs.” from the report

The home's audits and other checks did not always find or fix problems with medicines, care planning and records. The provider had already identified some care record problems, but inspectors found they continued.

“Quality assurance systems and audits were not always effective. During this inspection we identified shortfalls in relation to systems and processes, including medicines management and care planning.” from the report

Communication between staff and with health professionals needed improvement. Staff also needed more training to support people living with dementia who showed distressed behaviours.

“People, relatives, healthcare professionals and staff told us communication needed to be improved.” from the report