Averill House

This CQC inspection report for Averill House focuses on the safety and leadership of the home, following concerns raised about medicine management and resident nursing care. Inspectors visited the home to assess these areas, alongside infection control. While the home has a dedicated management team and a commitment to involving residents and their families, some critical improvements are needed, particularly concerning medication administration and ensuring robust internal auditing processes are in place.

Regarding safety, the home experienced issues with medicine management, including missed doses and inaccurate record-keeping for essential dietary supplements, though immediate actions were taken to rectify these after the inspection. Staffing levels were found to be adequate, and recruitment processes were thorough, ensuring new team members were well-prepared. Risk assessments were in place and understood by staff, and infection control measures were generally well-managed, contributing to a clean environment and safe visitor access.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents and their families reported feeling safe and well-cared for, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of individual needs and risks. The home also collaborated effectively with external healthcare professionals, ensuring residents received coordinated support. Policies and practices were in place to support residents' choices and control over their lives, upholding principles of least restrictive care.

When it comes to caring practices, residents and their relatives expressed satisfaction with the kindness and attentiveness of the staff, noting that their specific needs and preferences were well-understood and accommodated. Communication with families was reported as good, with regular updates provided and prompt attention given to any concerns. This suggests a positive and supportive environment for those living at Averill House.

Concerning how responsive the service is, residents and their families indicated they were involved in the development and review of care plans. Feedback mechanisms were in place, with managers committed to following up on any issues raised in resident surveys to ensure continuous improvement in care delivery. The home demonstrated a commitment to adapting to residents' changing needs.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, while there is a commitment to quality assurance, the audits, particularly for medicines, did not consistently identify issues that were later found by inspectors. This indicates a need for more thorough review processes to ensure all potential problems are flagged and addressed proactively. The management team is working towards registration, supported by experienced regional staff, and there is a culture of open communication and collaboration with healthcare professionals. Staff receive regular training and supervision, and lessons learned from incidents are shared across the organisation.