Ashton Manor Nursing Home

This report details the findings of an unannounced inspection of Ashton Manor Nursing Home on September 4, 2018. The inspection focused on evaluating the service's performance across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership. The provider has made significant improvements since the previous inspection in July 2017, addressing previous concerns regarding medicines and infection control. The home provides care for up to 39 older people, individuals with physical disabilities, long-term medical conditions, and dementia, with 32 residents at the time of the visit.

In terms of safety, the home provides a clean environment with robust measures in place to prevent the spread of infection, and appropriate equipment is available to assist with moving and handling. Medicines are managed and administered safely by trained staff, with accurate record-keeping and regular audits in place. There are sufficient staff numbers to meet residents' needs, and thorough recruitment checks ensure staff suitability. Risks to residents are carefully assessed and managed through implemented plans, and staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures, responding appropriately to any incidents.

The effectiveness of the care provided is evident in how residents' clinical needs are met, with staff working collaboratively with healthcare professionals. Residents receive support tailored to their preferences, with a variety of activities available, and the home environment is adapted to meet their needs. Staff gather comprehensive information about residents' requirements before they move in, ensuring care plans are personalised. Consent for care is consistently sought, and the Mental Capacity Act is followed when individuals cannot consent for themselves.

The service is caring, with staff demonstrating kindness and a deep understanding of residents' individual needs and preferences. Residents are actively involved in their care, with opportunities to make choices and maintain their independence. Staff provide support respectfully, upholding residents' privacy and dignity at all times.

Responsiveness is a key strength, with care plans developed in a person-centred way and regularly reviewed to address any changes in residents' needs. End-of-life care is planned and delivered with sensitivity and personalisation. Residents are informed about how to raise complaints, and these are handled in line with the home's policy.

The home is well-led, with management actively monitoring and improving the quality of care through various audits and checks. Staff feel supported by management and are encouraged to communicate effectively and share suggestions. Residents are involved in the running of the home, and their feedback is regularly sought. The provider maintains good relationships with external stakeholders and the local community, and complies with legal notification requirements to the CQC. While feedback indicated that staff could sometimes appear rushed during busier times, leading to potential waits for call bells, the home has systems in place to monitor call bell response times, and urgent calls are answered swiftly, with non-urgent calls generally within the provider's stated policy.