What the CQC found at The Elms Residential Care Home

People told inspectors they felt safe and staff understood how to report safeguarding concerns.

“People told us they felt safe living at The Elms.” from the report

Relatives said they were kept informed about accidents, incidents and changes in their family member's health.

“Relatives told us they were kept well informed about any accidents or incidents or changes in people's health.” from the report

Relatives and visiting healthcare professionals told inspectors that staff worked with other professionals to improve people's outcomes.

“Relatives told us staff worked with other healthcare professionals to improve outcomes for people.” from the report

Although medicine records had problems, inspectors found that medicines were stored securely and safely.

“Medicines were stored securely and safely.” from the report

Some staff did not know about people's health risks or how often they needed repositioning. Records had large gaps, creating a risk of avoidable harm.

“There were large gaps in records to demonstrate people at risk of skin damage had been repositioned to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas in accordance with their risk management plans.” from the report

Records did not show that topical medicines were always applied as prescribed. Guidance for some medicines given when needed was also limited.

“Records did not evidence people's topical medicines had been applied in accordance with the prescriber's instructions.” from the report

The home did not have the required agency staff profiles and photographic identification before staff worked at the home. It could not be assured that some agency workers had suitable training or employment checks.

“This meant the provider could not be assured agency staff had received basic training or had Disclosure and Barring Service checks to ensure they were safe to work with vulnerable people.” from the report

Quality systems failed to identify several safety and recording problems. There was no registered manager at the inspection after recent departures of senior staff.

“Governance systems to monitor the quality and safety of the service were ineffective.” from the report

Some staff did not follow the mask policy, and the infection control policy contained contradictory advice.

“The provider's policy had been updated following recent changes in government and local health teams guidance. However, the policy was not clear and contained contradictory advice for staff.” from the report