Hollybank Care Home

This inspection report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) offers an overview of Hollybank Care Home, focusing on key areas of service delivery. The report covers the home's performance in ensuring resident safety, the effectiveness and caring nature of its services, its responsiveness to residents' needs, and the quality of its leadership. It highlights both areas of strength and specific points where improvements are needed to ensure the highest standards of care are consistently met for all residents.

Regarding safety, while robust systems for preventing and controlling infection were in place, and immediate action was taken to address storage concerns, there were shortfalls in pre-employment checks for new staff. The management and administration of oral medications were safe, though improvements were noted and addressed for topical creams and fridge temperatures. Some maintenance checks were outstanding and being addressed.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs were generally met through good organisation. Care plans were personalised and reflected individual wishes, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of residents' needs and preferences. However, one relative felt they were not sufficiently involved in developing their family member's care plan. Opportunities for activities and engagement were being re-introduced following restrictions.

The caring aspect of the service was well-regarded. Staff interactions were respectful and compassionate, and residents and their relatives reported feeling safe and well looked after. The home had systems in place for end-of-life care, including a dedicated champion and private accommodation for visiting family.

The service was responsive to residents' needs. Residents and their relatives felt comfortable raising concerns, and complaints were recorded and acted upon. Communication needs were met, with information provided in accessible formats, and a portal was available to facilitate video calls with families.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, while the home had a long-standing registered manager aware of their responsibilities, internal audits and checks were not sufficiently robust in identifying issues. There was a lack of evidence of action taken to resolve identified shortfalls in monitoring records. While staff felt supported and kept informed, relative meetings were to be reinstated.