What the CQC found at The Woodlands Care Home

People and relatives said they felt safe and well cared for. Relatives also said they were kept informed about accidents and incidents.

“People and their relatives told us they felt The Woodlands was a safe place to be and that they were well cared for.” from the report

Staff had enough personal protective equipment and inspectors saw it being used appropriately. Visiting arrangements followed government guidance.

“Staff had access to adequate amounts of PPE, and we observed this to be used appropriately.” from the report

Although medicines were not stored safely and staff checks were missing, the administration records themselves were completed well and included allergy information.

“Medication administration records were completed robustly. They contained photographs of people and reflected any allergies they had.” from the report

Fire doors, the alarm and other safety arrangements were not adequate. The lift was not working and equipment needed for emergency evacuation was unavailable.

“Significant fire safety concerns were evident. For instance, fire doors did not close adequately, doors were wedged open, door guards no longer worked” from the report

Some records did not accurately describe people's needs or risks. There were large gaps in recording care, including repositioning support, so inspectors could not be assured people received safe care.

“There were large gaps in the records of care provided, such as repositioning support.” from the report

The medicine trolley and controlled medicines were left unsecured. Storage temperatures were not monitored and staff competency checks had not been completed.

“On the second day of inspection, the medicine trolley was left unsecured, with the keys in the lock and the cupboard containing controlled medicines had been left open.” from the report

Consent records, capacity assessments and best-interest decisions were not completed properly. Some applications to deprive people of their liberty had not been made appropriately.

“People's consent to their care and treatment had not been sought and recorded appropriately.” from the report

There was no evidence of staff training during the inspection. Staff had not recently received key training, regular supervision or appraisals.

“The deputy manager confirmed that staff had not had any recent moving and handling training, fire safety, practical first aid or fire evacuation training.” from the report

Audits did not identify all the problems found by inspectors, and issues that had already been identified had not been fixed. The provider did not have effective oversight of the home.

“When risks had been identified on audits, there was no evidence of actions taken to reduce the risks and the same issues were identified on consecutive audits.” from the report