What the CQC found at Woodlands

Inspectors found warm relationships between staff and the people living at the home. People were treated with dignity and their privacy was respected.

“People were supported by staff who were kind, patient and caring.” from the report

Care plans described people's routines, preferences, communication and what made them happy. Staff knew people well and adapted support to their individual needs.

“People's care and support plans were person centred and contained information about their likes and dislikes, their preferred daily routines and the things that made them happy” from the report

People were supported to choose activities, develop skills, attend college, work or volunteer, and keep links with the community.

“People were supported to take part in a range of leisure activities and follow their own interests and this was a particular strength of the service.” from the report

Staff understood safeguarding and people's risks. Incidents were investigated, lessons were shared and there were checks on fire safety, equipment, staffing and medicines.

“Incidents and accidents affecting the safety of people were investigated to make sure that any causes were identified and action taken to minimise any risk of reoccurrence.” from the report

The manager encouraged involvement from people and staff and used feedback to plan improvements. Provider and local quality checks were also in place.

“The engagement and involvement of people and staff was encouraged and their feedback was used to drive improvements.” from the report

One person's records showed significant weight loss over a short period, but there was no evidence of a referral to a healthcare professional. The manager said advice had been sought, but this had not been recorded.

“We did note that in the case of one person, records showed that they had experienced a significant loss of weight in a short period of time but there was no evidence that they had been referred to a healthcare professional.” from the report

Two stock records showed fewer medicines than were actually in stock. More frequent checks were planned.

“We found that two of these stock records were not accurate and under reflected the medicines in stock.” from the report

Records showed three occasions when one person's blood glucose was slightly outside the recommended range. It was not clear that healthcare advice had been sought as required by the escalation plan.

“We did note however, that on three occasions in November 2017, records showed that one person's blood glucose levels were slightly outside of recommended levels, but it was not clear that contact had been made with a healthcare professional in line with the documented escalation plan.” from the report

The manager understood the need for best-interest decisions, but consultations had not always been documented. The manager said this would be fully recorded in future.

“We did note that whilst the registered manager was aware that decisions made on behalf of people must be in their best interests and made in consultation in relevant persons, the best interest's consultations had not always been documented.” from the report

Two staff who had worked at the home for more than 12 weeks had not completed the Care Certificate. The manager planned to monitor this and provide more support.

“However, two staff who had been employed at the service for considerably longer than 12 weeks had still not fully completed the Care Certificate.” from the report

Some information was available, but the home planned further work to record people's wishes about their care at the end of life and after death.

“Further work was planned to ensure that staff had information about people's wishes and preferences for how and where their care should be provided at the end of their life.” from the report