What the CQC found at Rowan House Residential Home

People and relatives spoke positively about the staff. Inspectors saw people looking relaxed, happy and comfortable, with staff spending time talking to them.

“People looked relaxed, happy, and comfortable with the staff supporting them.” from the report

Staffing levels were sufficient in both the home and the agency. People said visits were usually on time and lasted for the agreed length of time.

“There were sufficient numbers of staff employed to cover the requirements of the rotas and meet people's specific needs.” from the report

New staff received induction and shadowing before working alone. Training was monitored and staff received regular support and checks.

“New staff received an induction which included training and a period of working alongside a more experienced staff member before they started working on their own.” from the report

Staff recognised changes in people's health and contacted suitable professionals. People were supported with food, drinks and dietary needs.

“People were supported to maintain good health and were referred to appropriate healthcare professionals as required.” from the report

In the residential home, equipment, utilities and fire arrangements were checked. Risk assessments were detailed and up to date for residents.

“Risk assessments were detailed and up to date, which meant staff had guidance in how to manage people's care safely.” from the report

For one agency user, staff used their bank card and PIN to buy shopping. There were no checks or audits of these transactions until action was taken after the inspection.

“There were no checks, monitoring or audits of these transactions.” from the report

One agency user's care plan did not explain how staff should manage all risks linked to their physical care and social support. New risk assessments and guidance were added during the inspection.

“Another person's care plan did not contain sufficient guidance and direction for staff to manage all the risks related to their physical care and social support.” from the report

In the home, some medicines did not match the recorded amounts. The manager carried out an audit and introduced extra checks after the inspection.

“However, on the day of the inspection, we found that some medicines did not match with the amount held.” from the report

Some agency staff files did not show a reference from the last care role, or clear checks of employment dates. The manager acted during the inspection and CQC recommended further guidance.

“Recruitment processes were not always robust.” from the report

Audits existed but had not found the missing risk information and other care plan concerns before inspectors raised them. This was the reason for the Regulation 17 breach.

“However, concerns around the management of risks and insufficient, inaccurate information, guidance and direction found in some care plans had not been identified prior to this inspection.” from the report