Barton Brook Care Home

Updated 2 May 2024

We carried out our on-site assessment on 03 July and 09 July 2024. The last rating for the service was Inadequate (report published 08 December 2023). At the last inspection, the provider was in breach of regulation regarding safe care and treatment and good governance. Some improvements had been made since our last inspection of the care home and the provider is no longer in breach of regulation relating to good governance. The new manager had introduced unit managers for improved oversight of the service; risk was better managed. Safeguarding incidents were fewer, and any incidents were analysed and investigated to help reduce the risk of re-occurrence and ensure lessons were learnt. Staff were more consistent, and rotas demonstrated staffing levels were maintained to ensure people received the support they required. Training had improved; staff had the relevant skills to support people safely and competency checks supported this. We saw staff respond well to people’s distress, anxiety or change in mood. Communication with staff occurred at regular meetings, in ‘flash’ meetings and during shift handovers. Staff felt involved. However, further improvements were still required in relation to medicines management to ensure the safety of people living at Barton Brook care home and regular supervision of all staff was a priority for the new manager.

Updated 2 May 2024

People told us that improvements had been made by the new management; communication had gotten better. People were more confident in raising concerns and had confidence that they would be acted on. People told us they were referred onto other health support services if needed and referrals were made swiftly. We were told that staff know what they are doing and that people felt safe. Feedback from people regarding staffing was mixed. Most people felt there was enough staff. However, one person commented that staff appeared overworked. Relatives also shared that they felt some units were very busy, with not enough staff. People did not always have accurate care plans and risk assessments in place regarding medicines. Most people felt the home was clean, however one relative had raised concerns with management regarding hygiene within the home. Peoples feedback was mixed about the quality of food, with some saying it was hit and miss, whilst another considered the food to be nice. People told us staff treated them with kindness, dignity and respect. Feedback we received regarding activities within the home was mainly negative, telling us events and activities had been limited. The provider had identified the shortfall and had a plan in place to improve.