Updated 20 August 2024
Date of assessment: 21 August to 3 September 2024. The Firs Care Home provides the regulated activity Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care for up to 32 older people. At the time of this assessment there were 26 people using the service. This assessment was carried out in response to concerns received about staffing numbers. This assessment reviewed 8 quality statements across the key questions of safe and caring. We found a breach of the legal regulation in relation to safe care and treatment. Staff were not following the provider safety measures to make sure people were safe at all times. For example, we found doors to people’s rooms were propped open with objects such as door wedges and chairs. This prevented doors from closing in the event of a fire. We also found staff had removed window restrictors which enabled some windows to be opened wide. Management was not aware of guidance to use bed rails safely, which meant the required checks had not been completed. In addition, we found people experiencing distress did not always have guidance for staff to follow to make sure of a consistently safe approach. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment. There were not always enough staff to meet people’s needs. Following our assessment, the provider informed us staff numbers would be increased for night shifts. New staff received an induction and follow up training when needed. Staff had regular supervision and there were regular staff meetings. Staff had handovers to share information and updates about people’s changing needs. The provider had applied for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations as appropriate. Professionals we spoke with all shared positive comments about the service and the care provided.