What the CQC found at The Bungalow

Staff had been trained to recognise and report abuse and knew how to find the relevant policies.

“All staff had received training in recognising and reporting abuse and knew how to access the required policies.” from the report

The home used checks on background, character and qualifications before appointing staff.

“People were supported by staff who had been recruited following safe recruitment procedures.” from the report

Staff administering medicines had been trained and assessed as competent. Medicines were stored securely and there were no missed signatures on administration records.

“People received their medicine from staff who had received training in the safe administration of medicine and had been assessed as competent.” from the report

People appeared settled, and inspectors observed positive interactions between people and staff.

“People appeared settled in the home and the interactions we observed between people and the staff team were positive.” from the report

The main fire evacuation plan did not match the people living in the home, and inspectors found no evidence that the property fire risk assessment had been reviewed as required. The evacuation plan was updated during the visit.

“People all had personal emergency evacuation plans, but the main fire evacuation plan did not represent the current people living in the home.” from the report

Staff from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background had not had individual Covid-19 risk assessments. The provider said these would be completed.

“At the time of inspection staff who were of a Black, Asian and minority ethnicity (BAME) had not completed an individual risk assessment in relation to Covid–19.” from the report

Although inspectors found enough staff to support people, some staff said they regularly worked beyond their contracted hours to cover gaps and felt tired.

“The team is tired, we all have to pick up extra shifts whether we want to or not. We need to have more staff recruited.” from the report

Regular supervision had stopped, and inspectors found a developing closed culture in which staff did not always feel listened to when raising concerns.

“We were concerned there had been a closed culture developing whereby staff were not always listened to when concerns were raised.” from the report

There was confusion about recording as-required medicines, making it difficult to tell whether medicines had been offered and why. This was corrected during the inspection.

“There was some confusion found regarding the correct recording for 'as required' medicine which made it difficult to establish whether people had actually been offered their medicine and if so why.” from the report