What the CQC found at Parklands Care Home

Staff followed medicines procedures, checked records and waited for people to take their medicines before completing the record. Training, competency checks and audits were in place.

“This meant people received their medicines safely as prescribed.” from the report

Inspectors saw positive relationships and respectful interactions. Staff used people’s preferred names, protected privacy and encouraged independence.

“Care workers were observed to have a positive and pleasant attitude towards people and provided care and support safely with empathy and compassion.” from the report

Care plans included people’s routines, communication needs, history, interests and preferences. Relatives were involved in care planning.

“The provider had developed a personalised approach to responding to people's needs.” from the report

The home had improved how it recorded and responded to complaints since the previous inspection. Complaints and actions were logged and reviewed.

“Recording of complaints had improved and included a monthly summary.” from the report

People had access to varied activities, including group events and one-to-one time. Relatives and staff sometimes joined in.

“There was evidence of a varied programme that included good participation by relatives, care workers and on occasion their children.” from the report

Audits and daily checks did not always identify missing positioning records, disorganised storage or the fire exit obstruction. Inspectors recommended stronger quality assurance checks.

“However, we found that although these checks were in place they were not always effective due to the concerns we found.” from the report

Bolts had been used to stop two fire exit doors opening during alarm tests. The manager contacted the fire service and removed the bolts and fixings during the inspection.

“Fire checks had failed to ensure all fire exits were always clear of obstruction.” from the report

Records showing when people had been repositioned in bed were not always completed. The manager investigated the omissions during the inspection.

“However, we found that this information had not always been completed.” from the report

Records did not always clearly show people’s consent or the involvement of representatives and advocates. The provider was putting a new consent form and updated care plans in place.

“We found that where people had capacity to agree and sign their consent or where they had an appointed individual to sign to provide consent on the person's behalf, this had not always been clearly recorded.” from the report

Four required notifications about DoLS applications and outcomes had not been sent to the CQC at the time. The manager submitted them retrospectively.

“However, we found four notifications for submission and outcome of DoLS had not been sent to the CQC.” from the report