What the CQC found at The Dean Neurological Centre

Managers planned staffing and used staff with the right skills, including for ventilator and tracheostomy care. Recruitment and induction checks were completed for permanent and agency staff.

“Staff worked collaboratively and flexibly to ensure staff with the appropriate skills were always on duty.” from the report

People's care was assessed by a range of clinicians and therapists. External specialists supported complex care, including ventilator, tracheostomy and end of life care.

“A multidisciplinary team approach was taken when assessing people's needs so people's needs were assessed by several specialist clinicians and therapists working together.” from the report

People were involved in decisions about their care. Staff were observed seeking consent and respecting privacy, dignity and people's preferred ways of communicating.

“People were supported to make decisions about their care and treatment.” from the report

People were supported to enjoy activities, develop friendships and spend time with others. Staff also provided one-to-one support to people at risk of isolation.

“People were supported to be included in activities and interests which they enjoyed, and which met their preferences.” from the report

The home had regular audits and improvement plans. The new provider had invested in equipment, care records, laundry facilities, staffing systems and the sensory garden.

“Regular checks and audits were completed to monitor the quality and safety of the service.” from the report

Some paper-based care records had not been reviewed as often as they should have been and no longer reflected people's current needs. The home said other arrangements meant this had not affected safety or care delivery.

“A review of some of the paper-based care records still in use showed these had not been as frequently reviewed as they should have been.” from the report

Inspectors saw respectful interactions, but staff communication skills varied. This led to different experiences for people, and some people had raised concerns about how staff spoke or interacted with them.

“although staffs communication skills varied, which led to differing experiences for people.” from the report

During the inspection, the home acted to provide clearer instructions for staff about some prescribed rescue medicines when people were out in the community.

“During the inspection immediate action was taken to provide clearer guidance for staff on the use of some prescribed rescue medicines.” from the report