Oaklands – Residential

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Oaklands House following an inspection. It focuses on the safety and leadership of the service, following concerns raised about staffing and safeguarding. While the report notes that some positive feedback was received from residents about the staff and management, it also highlights several areas where improvements are needed to ensure the well-being and protection of those living at the home. The inspection identified specific issues relating to the maintenance of the premises, medication management, and staff recruitment processes.

On safety, the inspection found that risks were not always managed effectively, with concerns raised about fire safety, the maintenance of the building, and the lack of clear auditing processes. Issues were also identified with medication management, including errors and inadequate recording, as well as with staff recruitment, where necessary checks were not always completed before staff began working.

In terms of how effective the care is, the report did not find specific concerns to inspect, using previous findings to inform the overall rating.

Regarding caring practices, residents expressed positive views about the staff, describing them as supportive and wonderful, and stated they liked living at the home.

The service was found to be responsive in some areas, such as infection prevention and control measures related to COVID-19, with assurances on visitor safety and shielding rules. However, there was a lack of an admissions policy at the time of inspection, and some initial concerns about PPE use were noted.

In terms of leadership, the service was not always well-led. Auditing processes were lacking, and essential policies and procedures were not readily available during the inspection, impacting the oversight of the service. While the manager was committed to making changes and addressing concerns, there were gaps in reporting incidents and ensuring appropriate referrals were made.