St Brelades

This report summarises findings from a recent inspection of St Brelades care home. The inspection focused on safety and leadership, noting improvements made since the previous assessment. While the service has moved out of special measures, further development is needed to consistently provide high-quality care across all areas. The report highlights progress in key areas but also points out specific aspects requiring ongoing attention to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of residents and their families.

Regarding safety, the home has made progress in medication management, with improved record-keeping and accurate application of medicated patches. However, there is a need to ensure covert medication administration is always offered overtly when appropriate and that care plans contain complete information for staff. Safeguarding measures are now in place, with all staff trained and confident to report concerns, and people are protected from abuse. Risk assessments have been improved, ensuring people are protected from harm, and the service is operating within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. Systems for learning from incidents are improving, though better trend analysis is needed. Recruitment practices are safer, with appropriate checks completed, and there are now sufficient staff with the skills and competence to meet residents' needs, leading to reduced use of agency staff and more consistent care. Infection control measures are assured, with effective practices to prevent and manage infections and welcoming visitor policies.

In terms of how effective the care is, the report indicates that care plans have been enhanced to guide staff on risk management, though information is not always stored in a way that allows for immediate access in emergencies. Systems are in place to act on accidents and incidents, but there is a need for better pattern and trend analysis.

The caring aspect of the service has seen improvements, with residents no longer facing discrimination and having access to all areas of the building. The dementia-friendly environment has been enhanced, though further work is needed to empower residents to engage with their surroundings. A relative noted the environment is "always excellent, clean and tidy. It's just like walking into somebody's home."

Responsiveness has also seen some positive developments, with staff supporting residents to have maximum choice and control in their lives, and policies reflecting this. However, relatives continue to express concerns about the laundry service, with items sometimes going missing or being worn by other residents.

Looking at how well-led the service is, quality assurance processes are being developed, with new checks and audits being implemented. While development plans are in place, they need to be more comprehensive to fully support the registered manager and provider in assuring continuous improvement. The culture at the service has improved, with staff feeling supported and motivated, and their suggestions being acted upon. Feedback is being sought from staff and relatives, and action is being taken on this feedback, although some issues, like the laundry, remain unresolved. Plans are underway to make the garden more accessible, and the service is working towards resolving outstanding issues identified by families.