Green Gables Nursing Home (Downing Green Gables Limited)

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details an inspection of Green Gables Nursing Home. The inspection focused on assessing key aspects of the service's operation following concerns raised about safeguarding, moving and handling, and staffing levels. The report outlines the findings across five critical areas, providing an overview of the care provided to residents.

On safety, the home has robust infection control procedures in place that staff are following, ensuring residents are kept safe from COVID-19 risks, including measures for isolation and visitor guidelines. However, there were identified gaps in staff knowledge regarding safeguarding procedures, posing a potential risk if a concern arose. Oversight of staff training and competency in managing medicines was also lacking, and systems for recording and learning from incidents were not fully effective. Recruitment records were also noted as not always being fully completed.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs were supported with appropriate moving and handling practices and a variety of regularly reviewed risk assessments. However, the service was not consistently adhering to up-to-date best practice guidance, specifically concerning dietary needs and textured diets, which could lead to confusion with healthcare professionals.

Regarding how caring the service is, residents and their relatives generally felt safe and able to approach management with concerns, indicating an open and approachable culture. Staff were observed supporting residents appropriately.

In relation to how responsive the service is, feedback on staffing levels was mixed. While no concerns about immediate safety were observed during the inspection, the provider agreed to review staffing levels based on feedback regarding the availability of staff for social and emotional support. Efforts are underway to recruit more permanent staff and improve communication with outside agencies, including addressing technological barriers.

Finally, regarding how well-led the service is, while the provider and registered manager have taken steps to address issues found, the overall systems for monitoring and improving the service were not always effective. Gaps in knowledge about safeguarding escalation procedures were identified among management and staff, and the service was not always up-to-date with best practice guidance in all areas. The provider has committed to improving these areas, including further training and a review of services to ensure adherence to current best practices.