Sandy Mount received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first CQC inspection in July 2016, demonstrating safe, person-centred care with well-trained and motivated staff. Medication management errors identified prior to inspection had been actively addressed through competency assessments and additional training, and reliance on agency staff was being reduced through an ongoing recruitment drive.
Concerns (4)
moderate
Medication management
: “We were aware prior to our inspection there had been several medications errors which had been reported to the Care Quality Commission.”
minorStaffing levels: “So many agency staff. No consistency. They don't seem to be as well trained as the regular carers and tend to stand around whilst the regular carers are running around.”
minorInfection control: “We found an issue with cleanliness with one toilet and commode during our inspection and suggested the cleaning of these were added to the persons support plans.”
minorRecord keeping: “We found this information was task focussed with a tick box for staff to confirm that they had completed the task. This information often lacked the detail of the personalised care.”
Strengths
· Staff demonstrated a strong understanding of safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures.
· Robust risk assessments in place promoting independence while minimising risk.
· Staff completed the Care Certificate and received regular training including dementia and end of life care.
· Regular supervision every six to twelve weeks and annual appraisals were in place.
· People spoke highly of permanent staff, describing them as caring, compassionate and respectful of privacy and dignity.
Sandy Mount, an extra care housing service in Huddersfield, was rated Good across all five key questions at its March 2019 inspection, maintaining its previous Good rating from 2016. The service demonstrated person-centred care, effective multi-disciplinary working and strong leadership, with the only noted weakness being a prior episode of medication errors that management had identified and addressed through improved auditing.
Concerns (1)
moderateMedication management: “There had been an issue with medication errors, and the manager was able to demonstrate what they had done to ensure lessons were learnt.”
Strengths
· People and relatives consistently described staff as caring, professional and kind, with strong rapport between staff and residents.
· Sufficient staffing levels confirmed by people, relatives and staff, with a new electronic call monitoring system introduced to improve oversight.
· Staff recruited safely with all required checks completed; people involved in recruitment via 'Meet and greet' meetings.
· Staff received comprehensive induction, training and regular supervision with competency assessments, including twice-yearly medicines competency checks.
· Strong multi-disciplinary partnership working with district nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, local authority and housing partners.
Quality-Statement breakdown (22)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Adapting service, design, decoration to meet people's needsGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to meet people's needs, preferences, interests and give them choice and controlGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Planning and promoting person-centred, high-quality care and support with opennessGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood