What the CQC found at Thorn Park Care Home

People and relatives told inspectors they felt safe. Inspectors also found enough staff and prompt responses to requests for help.

“There were adequate numbers of staff to keep people safe and we saw requests for help were responded to promptly.” from the report

Staff were patient and compassionate, including when people had dementia or found communication difficult. People's privacy, dignity and choices were respected.

“People were offered comfort and support when they found it hard to express themselves.” from the report

People could choose where and when they received support. Activities, outings and informal social contact were offered to suit people's interests and abilities.

“People were able to take part in a range of activities according to their interests and hobbies.” from the report

Staff had specific training and worked with other organisations to follow people's wishes and keep them comfortable at the end of life.

“People could be confident that at the end of their lives they would be cared for with kindness and compassion and their comfort would be maintained.” from the report

The management team used audits, feedback, complaints and incidents to identify improvements. People living at the home were also involved in decisions about the service.

“The provider used complaints and incidents to continually improve the service.” from the report

The home was not accounting for insulin stock held for community nurses. The report says this was resolved by the home and nurses keeping clear records.

“The only issue we found was the service was not accounting for the stock of insulin that was held for the community nursing team to administer; this has now been resolved with the service and the nurses keeping clear records.” from the report

Kitchen procedures did not fully follow current guidance in every area of food production. The required changes were put in place immediately with support from Environmental Health.

“However, we noted in the kitchen the service was not fully following current guidelines to prevent cross contamination in all areas of their food production.” from the report

Two stairways behind doors that could not be seen through might have posed a risk to people with cognitive impairment. Warning signs were not considered understandable for everyone, and keypads were fitted afterwards.

“These could potentially lead to a risk for people who cannot understand the risk this could pose.” from the report

For some people staying temporarily, care plans did not clearly record the person's goal. This meant useful evidence of support to help people return home was missed.

“We spoke with the registered manager in respect of people's care plans for those staying at the home for a short stay, as it was not always clear what the goal for the person was.” from the report

Inspectors reminded the home that staff giving medicines should not be asked to complete another task at the same time. Systems were put in place during the inspection.

“We also, reminded the registered manager of the importance not allowing the staff member administering medicines to be asked to complete any other task.” from the report