What the CQC found at Hothfield Neurological Rehabilitation Centre

Inspectors saw staff being patient and gentle. People and relatives described staff as caring, and privacy and dignity were respected during personal care.

“During interactions we observed staff always approached people with gentleness, patience and kindness.” from the report

People had access to nurses, therapists and other professionals. Inspectors found that rehabilitation goals were well considered and people made progress towards greater independence.

“Their assessments and identification of rehab goals are very informative and well considered.” from the report

Care plans included people's routines, communication needs, health, diet, sleep, mobility and emotional needs. Relatives were involved and kept informed about changes.

“Care plans were personalised and detailed daily routines specific to each person.” from the report

The home reviewed accidents and incidents, recorded actions and used audits and clinical governance meetings to monitor care. People, relatives and staff were involved in discussing improvements.

“Where accidents and incidents happened there were actions in place to reduce risks of them reoccurring.” from the report

Instructions for some when-needed medicines were missing or out of date. Staff did not always record why these medicines were given or whether they worked, and handwritten changes often lacked the required signatures.

“When a PRN medicine was administered staff did not record why the medicine had been given or if it had had the desired outcome.” from the report

Temperature checks for medicines kept in people's rooms were inconsistent. Some readings were above the recommended maximum and there was no evidence of action being taken at the time.

“Temperature monitoring of medicines stored in people's rooms was inconsistent and sometimes recorded above the maximum recommended temperature.” from the report

In The Manor, people could have very little to do when the activity coordinator was taking another person out. Staff also said they did not always have enough time to sit and talk with people.

“However, as the activity coordinator took one person out this left people who remained at The Manor with very little to keep them occupied.” from the report

Some staff in The Manor felt managers were not present often enough. The home said this was linked to recruitment and would improve when the Head of Nursing started.

“However, staff at The Manor felt there was at times a lack of manager's presence.” from the report