What the CQC found at St George's Nursing Home

Inspectors observed enough staff to meet people's needs promptly. Relatives also said staffing levels were adequate.

“Throughout our visit, we observed there were staff available to meet people's needs in a timely manner.” from the report

People and relatives consistently described staff as kind, caring and supportive.

“People were treated with kindness and compassion by staff.” from the report

Inspectors were assured that infection prevention arrangements, including the use of protective equipment, were effective.

“We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.” from the report

People and relatives spoke positively about the range of activities. The activities worker also helped community groups visit the home.

“The activities organiser is brilliant and always provides appropriate activities.” from the report

The manager monitored accidents and incidents for patterns and discussed these in handovers and team meetings.

“The registered manager was proactive about learning lessons and improving the service.” from the report

Some electronic medicine records did not match prescribing instructions. Time-sensitive medicines were not always given at the right time, patches were not recorded properly, and fridge temperatures were outside the recommended range.

“Medicines were not always managed safely.” from the report

Food was not always served promptly and people said it was cold. Inspectors found that nutritional needs were not being met adequately.

“The provider had not ensured people's nutritional needs were being met adequately.” from the report

Care plans did not always reflect people's preferences, backgrounds or end-of-life needs. People were not always asked about their choices when receiving care or meals.

“The lack of person-centred care plans placed people at an increased risk of not having their needs met.” from the report

There was not always a clear process for consent to intimate care from male carers. Some women received this care when it was not their preference.

“Male staff told us they sometimes provided intimate personal care to females when this was not their preference.” from the report

Two of the three staff records reviewed had incomplete employment histories. The provider was asked to review its recruitment practice.

“We reviewed 3 staff records and we found there was gaps in 2 people's application form as their employment histories were incomplete.” from the report

Audits had found some of the problems, but the home had not embedded and sustained the changes needed.

“Their checks and audits had identified the issues we found during our inspection in relation to medicines and care plans, but they were unable to embed the learning and the ongoing sustained improvement which was required.” from the report