What the CQC found at Meadowcroft Health Care Limited

People and relatives spoke positively about staff. Inspectors saw calm, warm and caring interactions, including support when someone was distressed or in pain.

“The atmosphere of the home was relaxed and calm; it was apparent from talking with the staff and registered manager this approach was important” from the report

Care plans included people's needs, routines, preferences and personal histories. People and relatives were involved in assessments and care reviews.

“Information available for staff gave clear detailed guidance about their diverse needs, routines, preferences and what was important to them.” from the report

Inspectors found medicines were ordered, stored and given safely. Risks were assessed and people were involved in decisions about how risks were managed.

“We found the ordering, storing and management of medicines followed best practice guidance.” from the report

People were supported to take part in activities they chose, including baking, art and community outings. Staff responded to requests to go outside or into the garden.

“The home had a mini bus and used taxi's to support people on community activities.” from the report

The home used regular audits, meetings and an improvement plan to monitor safety and care. The management team showed a commitment to making further improvements.

“There was a system of audits and processes in place that continually checked on quality and safety.” from the report

Staff raised concerns about the number and deployment of staff at night. The manager agreed to review this to ensure people remained safe.

“night time staffing levels and deployment required further reviewing.” from the report

The staff training plan did not include mental health needs training at the time of inspection. Plans were being developed to address this.

“We noted the training plan for staff did not include training in mental health needs.” from the report

People's interests and hobbies were not always fully recorded, and their future goals and aspirations had not been identified. The manager said further work was planned.

“We also noted people's goals and aspirations for the future had not been identified.” from the report

Some meeting records did not say what action was needed, who was responsible or when it should be completed. New recording tools had been introduced.

“We noted meeting records did not always detail action that was required, by whom with timescales.” from the report

External feedback raised concerns about reliance on agency nurses and its effect on communication with professionals and management. Permanent nursing staff had recently been recruited.

“External feedback raised some concerns with the reliance on agency nurses to cover shortfalls in staffing” from the report