Ashwood Court Supportive Pathways

This report details an inspection of Ashwood Court Nursing Unit, focusing on its overall quality of care. The inspection found significant improvements since the previous assessment, leading to an improved overall rating. The service is praised for providing safe and effective care, demonstrating a caring approach to residents, responding well to individual needs, and being well-led.

On safety, the home maintains clean and secure ward environments with adequate staffing levels. Staff are skilled in assessing and managing risks, minimizing restrictive practices, and handling medications safely, while also adhering to safeguarding procedures. There was a specific recommendation made to ensure female residents have access to a female-only lounge at all times.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' care plans are developed holistically and focus on recovery, informed by thorough assessments. The treatments offered align with national best practices for mental health rehabilitation wards, and staff actively participate in clinical audits. The multidisciplinary team is well-resourced, and staff receive appropriate training and supervision.

Regarding caring practices, staff treat residents with compassion and kindness, respecting their dignity and privacy. They show a deep understanding of individual needs and actively involve both residents and their families in care decisions.

The service is responsive to people’s needs by effectively planning and managing discharges, liaising well with subsequent care providers to minimize delays. They are noted to be working towards a recognised model of mental health rehabilitation.

Finally, the service is well-led, with governance processes ensuring smooth ward operations. While improvements have been noted, it is recommended that policies and procedures continue to be reviewed for currency and alignment with national guidance, and that admission, discharge, and transfer procedures are further refined.