Oldbury Grange Nursing Home

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Staff were trained in safeguarding people from abuse. Risk assessments were in place to manage risks and reduce people's risk of harm. Care plans provided staff with an overview of people's care needs. People received their medicines when they needed them. Enough trained staff were deployed to meet people’s needs, and staff received regular supervisions and training. People lived in a well-maintained environment and were protected from risks associated with the control and spread of infection.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People and their relatives told us when they had raised any issues with the manager, action had been taken to address their concerns. A relative told us, “I had some issues a while ago but they were addressed straight away.” Everyone we spoke with told us they felt confident in raising concerns should the need arise.

The manager and staff told us how learning from incidents was shared through handovers and daily meetings.

Accidents, incidents and complaints were regularly reviewed by the manager and the provider’s management team. This helped to identify any trends and enabled action to be taken to reduce the risk of the incident happening again. There were systems in place to ensure any learning from incidents was shared with the staff team.

People and their relatives told us they felt involved in the planning and review of the care they received. A relative said, “We are both fully involved in every aspect. Communication is very good. They [staff] will telephone me if there are any changes or concerns.” People’s needs were assessed before they moved to the home to ensure their needs and aspirations can be met. One person said, “My [relative] came to have a look around the home and a member of staff came and had a chat with me.”

Staff told us they had the information needed to ensure care was delivered safely and in accordance with people’s preferences. A member of staff said, “The electronic care planning system is really good. It’s easy to see what support residents need, any risks such as falls and how they liked to be cared for.” Another member of staff told us, “I am involved in pre-admission assessments and will meet with the person and relatives to find out about them. If they need any special equipment, we will get this before they move in.”

Professionals involved in the home told us staff worked in partnership with them to achieve good outcomes for people. One professional said, “Any recommendations we make are acted on in a timely manner by the staff team. We have a very good working relationship with staff at Oldbury Grange.”

There were effective systems in place to ensure people’s needs, associated risks and aspirations were fully assessed before they moved to the home. People’s care and support plans were regularly reviewed to ensure they remained up to date. Any changes to people’s needs were communicated to staff though handovers and daily meetings.

People told us they felt safe living at the home and with the staff who supported them. One person said, “I feel very safe here and I know the staff know me very well.” A relative told us, “[Name of person] is very safe here.”

Staff told us they were confident in recognising and reporting any concerns about people’s well-being. One member of staff said, “I have never witnessed anybody being unkind to residents. If I did, I would report it straight away. I would also go to the police if necessary.”

People looked relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings and with the staff who supported them. Staff interacted with people in a kind and respectful manner. Staff responded quickly to any requests for assistance.

There were systems in place to ensure all staff received training and regular refresher training in safeguarding adults from abuse. Safeguarding incidents were reported, recorded and investigated. The manager analysed accidents and incidents to identify any emerging themes or patterns in order to improve the care provided. Risks which affected people's daily lives were documented and known by staff. The management team monitored and regularly assessed these risks and took action as required to ensure people received care in a safe and consistent way.

People understood potential risks associated with their daily lives. One person said, “I’ve got my walking frame so I can get about. I would like to use just a stick, but the staff have had a discussion with me and don’t think I would be safe at the moment. I don’t want to fall so will keep using the frame.” Where people were unable to understand risks, staff knew how to keep them safe, for example by providing them with modified diets and thickened fluids where people were at risk of choking.

Staff understood people’s needs and associated risks. They told us they had been trained and had access to equipment needed to support people in a safe way. Catering staff told us they were made aware of any risks associated with eating and drinking and knew how to prepare modified diets.

Staff supported people to maintain their independence safely. For example, ensuring people had access to their mobility aids and access to call bells when they were alone in their bedroom. When people requested assistance, staff responded without delay.

Risks to people were assessed, regularly reviewed and measures were in place to reduce risk. Care plans and risk assessments provided information to ensure staff supported people in a safe and consistent way.

People lived in a comfortable and well-maintained environment. One person said, “It’s very homely here. I am very happy.” People told us they felt safe living at Oldbury Grange. One person said, “I feel very safe and well cared for here.”

Staff considered environmental risks to people when assessing their needs and they understood how to minimise potential risks to people. The maintenance person told us and showed us the regular checks they carried out on the environment and equipment to ensure the safety of the people who lived there.

The home was well-maintained and free from any hazards such as trip hazards. Grab rails were available throughout the home to help people mobilise safely. Doors to areas storing cleaning products and medicines for example, were kept locked. Visitors could only access the home when let in by staff.

There were extensive checks on the environment and equipment used by people to ensure they remained safe. Regular servicing was carried out by external contractors on moving and handling equipment, fire alarms and detection systems and the lift. An up-to-date fire risk assessment was in place and there were contingency plans to manage unforeseen events.

People were supported by enough appropriately trained staff to meet their needs safely. One person told us, “The staff are amazing and they are all so kind. They are always popping in and checking on me.” Another person said, “The staff treat me well and respect what I want. I think all the staff are very well trained.”

Staff told us there were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were positive about the training and support they received. A member of staff said, “There is good training both on-line and face to face. I am up to date with all my training. We have an alert come up on our phones when refresher training is due.” Another member of staff told us, “I definitely get the training I need, and you can request additional training if there is something you are interested in. I have regular supervisions and I feel listened to.”

There was a good staff presence throughout the home and people did not have to wait long for assistance. There were regular checks on people who chose to spend time in their bedroom or were being cared for in bed. Staff spent quality time with people engaging in conversation or activities. The atmosphere in the home was happy and relaxed.

The provider operated safe recruitment processes. This included undertaking appropriate checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and obtaining suitable references. DBS checks provide information including details about convictions and cautions held on the Police National Computer. The information helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. Staffing levels were based on the needs and number of people who lived at the home and were kept under review. Staff received regular training appropriate to their role and there were regular checks on their performance and knowledge to ensure they remained skilled and competent. All new staff received a period of induction which gave them the skills and knowledge and training to meet people’s needs.

People were protected from the risks associated with the spread of infection because staff followed the provider’s procedures and best practice. People lived in a home which was clean and fresh smelling. One person said, “It’s always lovely and clean and so is my bedroom.”

Staff had received training in infection prevention and control and understood the importance of following correct procedures. Staff told us they had good supplies of disposable gloves and aprons.

All areas of the home were clean and smelt fresh. Staff attended to any spillages straight away. Staff were observed using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and aprons, appropriately. Handwashing facilities and sanitising gel were appropriately sited throughout the home.

An infection prevention and control policy was in place which was regularly reviewed to ensure it reflected current guidance and best practice. Staff had received training in infection prevention and control. Cleaning schedules were completed daily to ensure good hygiene standards were maintained. Designated cleaning staff were employed. The manager carried out daily walk arounds and audits.

People received their medicines when they needed them from staff who were trained and competent in their role. One person said, “I have my tablets and insulin every day, they [staff] never forget.” A relative told us, “The nurse makes sure [person] gets their tablets at the right times. They are on antibiotics at the moment so it’s important.”

Staff told us only registered nurses and senior care staff who had received additional medication training were involved in administering people’s medicines. Staff told us that people’s medicines were regularly reviewed by their GP and, where appropriate, mental health professionals.

There were policies and procedures in place for the safe management and administration of people’s medicines and these were understood and followed by staff. Medicines were stored securely and there were systems in place to ensure people always had sufficient supplies of their medicines. There were regular stock checks and audits to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed. There were protocols in place for medicines prescribed on an ‘as required’ basis which helped to ensure staff followed a consistent approach and people received their medicines when needed.