What the CQC found at Linford Grange

Medicines were administered safely and records were completed accurately. Staff handling medicines had training and their competence was checked.

“Medicines were administered individually, and the medication administration records (MAR) was completed in full and accurately.” from the report

The home had updated care plans and risk assessments to reflect people's current needs, including falls, pressure sores and dietary requirements.

“Care plans provided clear guidance for staff to follow to manage those risks.” from the report

The home had cleaning arrangements, PPE, hand sanitiser and regular COVID-19 testing. Staff were monitored and action was taken when PPE was not used correctly.

“There was a designated room and regular testing for staff, people using the service and visitors.” from the report

Staff had safeguarding and whistleblowing training and knew how to report concerns. Information was also displayed in an accessible format.

“Information about safeguarding and whistle-blowing procedure was displayed in easy read and pictorial format so people could to understand how to raise concerns.” from the report

People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the new manager. The manager had started an improvement plan and was addressing known problems.

“People using the service spoke positively about the manager.” from the report

The laundry room had exposed brickwork, flooring and ceiling cables. The manager had started arranging improvements, but the work was not complete.

“Improvements were needed to the laundry room to reduce the risk of cross infection as there was exposed brickwork, flooring and exposed ceiling cables.” from the report

The provider's audits had not reliably identified shortfalls. Records and checks needed further work so that they stayed accurate and up to date.

“The audits and monitoring of care plans, risk assessments and records required embedding and reviewing to ensure these were accurate and kept up to date.” from the report

People and relatives said there could be delays in receiving support, especially at weekends. The report says nobody felt unsafe and staffing rotas showed the required numbers were usually on duty.

“Sometimes at the weekend I have to wait but they do come.” from the report

Some relatives had not received updates consistently. There were also reports that calls were not always answered and that a fall had not been reported to a relative.

“Visiting appointments are difficult to make because no one answers the phones especially at the weekends.” from the report

The home could not yet fully demonstrate that it met all the relevant principles for people with a learning disability or autism. Further staff training and more personalised care planning were needed.

“The service was not fully able to demonstrate how they were meeting some of the underpinning principles of 'Right support, right care, right culture'.” from the report