What the CQC found at Nether Place Nursing Home

Medicines were stored, administered and recorded appropriately. Controlled medicines were checked regularly, and suitable care plans and risk assessments were in place.

“Medicines were being administered and recorded appropriately and were being kept safely.” from the report

People said staff were polite and caring. Inspectors saw staff knocking before entering rooms and supporting people to do as much as possible for themselves.

“All of the people we spoke with said the staff supported them to do as much as they could for themselves so as to maintain their independence.” from the report

Care records included people's preferences, family histories and the support they needed. People could personalise their bedrooms with their own belongings.

“Care plans recorded people's preferences and provided information about them and their family history.” from the report

The required employment checks had been completed, and staff had induction training and regular updates, including training about dementia care.

“When employing fit and proper persons the recruitment procedures of the provider were robust in ensuring suitable people had been employed.” from the report

Some bedroom locks could not be opened from outside if locked from inside. Inspectors recommended that these locks be changed because this could affect emergency access.

“We found that some of the bedroom door locks in use could not be opened, should it be necessary in an emergency, if they had been locked from the inside.” from the report

Some equipment was stained and had old food on it. Tables and floors in dining areas were not always cleaned between meals.

“Although there were cleaning schedules in place and in the main the home was reasonably clean, we found that some pieces of equipment in use were stained and covered in old food matter.” from the report

People and relatives gave mixed views about staffing. Inspectors also saw that staff were not always readily available, and people were sometimes left unattended for short periods.

“One person said, "There is staff about but it can be stretched sometimes, especially if people go off sick.” from the report

Some people who needed help with meals were left waiting before support was given. This was raised alongside concerns about staffing at lunchtime.

“However we observed that not all people received timely support with their meals and people were left sometime before help was actually given.” from the report

Some policies and procedures did not refer to current legislation or good practice guidance. Inspectors recommended that these be updated.

“During the inspection we noted that some of the polices and procedures in use did not always refer to current legislation or good practice guidance.” from the report