Brabourne Care Centre

Brabourne Care Centre offers residential and nursing care for up to 82 older people, including those living with dementia. This report summarises an inspection conducted on December 2, 2021, which focused on the safety and leadership of the service following concerns raised. The inspection aimed to assess how well the care provided meets the needs of residents, with a particular focus on maintaining a safe environment and effective management practices.

On safety, residents and their families reported feeling safe, and there were adequate staffing levels supported by agency staff when needed, alongside effective infection control measures. However, the management of medicines was not always safe, with instances of undocumented pain patch application, undated creams, and discrepancies in medicine stock. Guidance for supporting residents with health risks like skin breakdown was also initially insufficient, though improvements were made during the inspection.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents and relatives expressed satisfaction, and staff worked collaboratively with healthcare professionals to ensure joined-up care. People's opinions were sought, and information was shared effectively with residents and their families. The service actively supported residents' choice and control in their lives.

Regarding caring practices, the report highlights a positive culture with kind and caring interactions observed between staff and residents, who expressed genuine fondness for one another. Staff were found to be supportive and understanding of their roles in safeguarding residents.

The responsiveness of the service was evident in how staff analysed accidents and incidents to mitigate risks, and in the provision of personal emergency evacuation plans and regular fire drills. People were safeguarded from abuse, with staff trained in safeguarding procedures and a collaborative approach with the local authority safeguarding team.

In terms of well-led management, the service fostered a positive culture, with staff, residents, and relatives describing it as a supportive environment. The registered manager demonstrated openness and honesty, adhering to the duty of candour. Regular communication occurred through team meetings, newsletters, and an open-door policy for staff, and feedback was actively sought from residents. However, audits and checks, while regularly completed, did not always identify issues with medicines or care plans, and there was no initial priority given to reviewing the highest risks to residents. Following the inspection, an improvement plan was submitted to address these areas.