Hatfield Haven

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Hatfield Haven, a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 22 older people, including those with dementia. The inspection, which took place on 8 August 2017, found that improvements had been made since the previous visit in 2015, and residents and their families spoke positively about the service. A new manager has been appointed and is in the process of registration. The report assesses the service across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership.

On safety, the home is viewed positively. Residents feel safe, and staff are well-trained to recognise and report abuse. Risk assessments are in place to protect residents, and appropriate pre-employment checks are conducted for staff. Medication management is also a strong point, with safe storage, administration, and regular audits. Sufficient staffing levels are maintained to meet residents' needs, and emergency procedures are in place.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff receive regular training and support, with induction processes aligned with industry standards. The home works within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring residents' choices are respected. Residents are offered a good choice of food, and their nutritional needs are assessed and supported, with appropriate healthcare professional input when required. While staff have some knowledge of supporting people with dementia, further in-depth training would be beneficial.

Regarding the caring aspect, residents and their relatives reported a positive and caring environment. Staff are described as kind, compassionate, and respectful of individual dignity and privacy. Care plans are reviewed and include personal history information to build relationships. Residents are encouraged to make choices, and their independence is promoted wherever possible. Families are welcomed at any time, fostering strong relationships.

The service is also seen as responsive to residents' needs. Care plans are developed with resident involvement and regularly reviewed. Significant improvements have been made to the environment to make it more dementia-friendly, with the addition of sensory items and handrails. An activities coordinator supports residents' social well-being, though sensory items were not observed in use during the inspection.

However, the service requires improvement in how it is well-led. While the new manager has a clear vision and has initiated positive changes, these are not yet fully embedded. Existing quality monitoring systems had not identified some inconsistencies found during the inspection, although systems are in place to gather feedback from residents and their relatives. The manager promotes an open culture and is approachable.