What the CQC found at The Limes

The home had safeguarding systems, and staff knew what to do if they were worried about abuse. Referrals to the local safeguarding team were made promptly.

“Systems and processes were in place to ensure that people were protected from abuse.” from the report

Inspectors found that pre-employment checks were carried out to assess whether staff were suitable to work at the home.

“Pre-employment checks were performed on staff to ensure they were suitable to work at the service.” from the report

Staff gained consent before providing care. People's capacity to consent had been considered under the Mental Capacity Act.

“Staff gained consent from people before providing any care and support.” from the report

People were supported to contact doctors and district nurses when needed. Records showed that referrals and visits were arranged.

“People were supported to access health care services such as doctors and district nurses.” from the report

Some medicines were given in a way that did not match the prescription. Records, instructions and as-needed medicine guidance were not always complete.

“People's medicines were not always administered safely.” from the report

Care plans and risk assessments did not always contain the information staff needed. Fire door problems and repeated incidents were not always identified or dealt with promptly.

“Risks to people's health and wellbeing were not always appropriately assessed and monitored.” from the report

People and staff reported delays because there were not enough staff. Some staff training was out of date, and supervision did not always happen as the home's policy required.

“Staff were not sufficiently supported in their role to access training to enable them to meet people's needs.” from the report

Mealtimes were inconsistent between the two units. People did not always have enough choice or receive the help they needed, including people on specialised diets.

“Best practice was not being followed including a lack of choice and poor practice when supporting people with their meals.” from the report

The home's checks had not found the problems identified by inspectors. Records were not always complete or reliable, and identified gaps were not always corrected quickly.

“Governance systems had failed to identify and address the shortfalls found at inspection.” from the report