Paternoster House

This report from the Care Quality Commission provides an overview of Paternoster House following an inspection. The inspection focused on safety and leadership, prompted by concerns raised about the service's management and incident handling. While residents and their families generally feel safe and happy with the care provided, the report highlights areas where improvements are needed to ensure consistent quality and a robust approach to safety.

Regarding the safety of the service, some environmental issues were noted, including areas in need of repair and missing fittings that could pose risks. While care plans included risk assessments, some moving and handling measures were not fully adequate. Staff were advised on the correct use of personal protective equipment, and infection control practices need further reinforcement in certain areas. However, the service does follow government guidelines for visitors and testing, and people's care plans adequately reflect identified risks and necessary referrals to healthcare professionals.

In terms of how effective the care is, care plans contain risk assessments, and where risks were identified, appropriate referrals to healthcare professionals were made. Medicine management processes were found to be compliant with legislation and guidelines, with correctly completed records and safe storage.

On the caring aspect, people and their relatives expressed feeling safe and happy with the care provided, describing staff as kind and caring. Staff receive safeguarding training and are confident in raising concerns.

For the responsive category, care plans include risk assessments, and necessary referrals to health professionals are made when risks are identified. The service also ensures visitors are managed safely according to guidelines.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, recent management changes have been unsettling for staff, impacting oversight. However, the new manager has been proactive in reviewing systems and making improvements, receiving positive feedback from staff. While quality assurance systems require strengthening to consistently identify and address environmental and infection control shortfalls, the manager is actively analysing incidents and safeguarding concerns. The service works well with external health and social care professionals.