What the CQC found at Thornhill Nursing Home

Medicines were stored securely, given according to people's needs and recorded after administration. Staff had training and their competence had been checked.

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

Inspectors observed staff speaking politely and warmly to people. Staff knew people's histories, preferences and emotional needs.

“Staff demonstrated a kind and caring approach to their interactions with each person” from the report

The manager was active and visible, and the home had organised audits, meetings and action plans to monitor quality.

“We found very clear and detailed evidence of management oversight and quality assurance in the home.” from the report

The home had addressed concerns from the previous inspection about consent. Staff understood people's rights and supported daily choices.

“At this inspection we found the provider had taken all steps to address this” from the report

The home was generally clean, but inspectors found that some areas, including the sluice and soft furnishings, needed more thorough cleaning and tidying. There was also wear and tear in the building.

“The home was clean overall, although more attention was needed to ensure more thorough tidying and cleaning in places, particularly the sluice area and soft furnishings” from the report

Staffing was generally enough to meet people's needs, but some people said they had to wait when staff were supporting someone else.

“some people said they had to wait if staff were busy supporting others.” from the report

Some care plans lacked details, including continence support and end of life wishes. People's and relatives' involvement in care planning was not always recorded.

“We recommend care records are reviewed to include greater detail and show where people, relatives and other professionals have been involved in the care planning process.” from the report

Staff monitored food and drink where there were health concerns, but care records did not always state the amount of fluid a person should receive.

“the optimum fluid intake was not always recorded on people's care records for staff to know when they had been given enough.” from the report

The home offered different activities and outings, but inspectors did not see a wide range of activities on the day because the activities coordinator was away.

“although this member of staff was on leave during the inspection and so we did not see a wide range of activities on the day.” from the report

Maintenance checks were recorded, but the manager agreed that mattress checks needed to happen more often and said this would be reviewed immediately.

“although mattress checks needed to be more frequent, which the manager agreed to immediately review.” from the report