Cameron House

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Cameron House following an inspection in March 2023. While some positive steps have been taken since the previous inspection, the report highlights areas where improvements are still needed to ensure consistent and high-quality care. The inspection focused on safety and leadership, aiming to assess how effectively the home manages risks and provides a well-led environment for its residents. The findings indicate ongoing challenges that require attention to fully meet regulatory standards and resident needs.

On safety, while residents reported feeling safe and safeguarding practices are robust, there were instances of unsafe moving and handling techniques observed. Not all risks to residents' care and support needs were consistently identified and recorded in enough detail, and improvements are still required in medicine management, particularly with the documentation of topical creams.

In terms of how effective the care is, the report notes that staff sometimes focused more on tasks than on individual residents' needs, leading to situations where residents' personal comfort and continence needs were not always met promptly. The deployment of staff also meant that communal areas were sometimes left unstaffed, potentially putting vulnerable residents at risk.

Regarding caring practices, residents and their relatives generally felt safe, with good arrangements for infection control and visiting. Staff demonstrated understanding of safeguarding and how to report concerns, and recruitment processes were found to be safe. The home operates within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, with appropriate authorisations in place when needed.

In relation to how responsive the service is, relatives' feedback on communication was varied, with some feeling well-informed while others felt information was not always proactively shared. While systems are in place to gather feedback, recent surveys have not been completed. The home works with external partners like the local authority and healthcare professionals to support care provision.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, management and leadership were found to be inconsistent. While quality assurance processes are in place, audits did not always identify the shortfalls found during the inspection, suggesting a need for better understanding and management of risks. Not all staff felt fully supported, and some senior staff did not always act as effective role models.