Ashleigh House

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

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

At our last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

All accidents and incidents were recorded and analysed to see if any learning needed to be put into practice. This had included referrals to other professionals and making additional staff available. Following an incident in a neighbouring building, the business continuity plan had been updated to enhance people’s safety.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

One family member commented how well staff had supported a person when they went into hospital. They told us, “They went to hospital and they [staff] stayed with them the whole time – they just did that.” This helped to make sure the person continued to be supported by staff who knew them well.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

People looked very relaxed with the staff who supported them. Some people at the home did not verbalise their feelings or wishes, however we saw people touched staff and sat close to them showing how comfortable they were.

Staff knew how to recognise and report concerns. All staff told us they were confident action would be taken if they reported any issues. One member of staff told us, “I think people are very safe. If I had any concerns, I would go to the manager, and they would do something.” A family member said, "Yes, they’re definitely safe there. There’s always plenty of staff around.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

People who had conditions such as epilepsy, were supported effectively to protect them from the risk of avoidable harm. Best practice guidance was followed, and the risks were identified and mitigated whilst ensuring the person was able to maintain their independence and dignity. Staff spoken with were aware of risk assessments in place and supported people appropriately.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

People lived in a home which was well maintained and met their needs. Staff carried out regular safety checks for equipment such as the fire detecting system, specialist beds and sensors. Outside contractors regularly serviced other equipment including emergency lighting and lifting equipment.

One relative said, “It always looks lovely in there, you can’t knock that at all. It has a homely feel too.”

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

People were cared for by staff who had been safely recruited and received training to make sure they had the appropriate skills to effectively support people. There was a stable staff team who knew people well. Throughout our visits we observed warm and affectionate interactions between people and staff. All staff spoken with thought there were enough staff to meet people’s needs and support them with their chosen activities.

One visitor told us, “Good staff and good teamwork.”

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

All areas of the home were clean and fresh. There were cleaning schedules in place to make sure good standards were maintained. Staff had received training in infection prevention and control and had access to personal protective equipment to use when needed.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

People received their medicines safely from staff who had received specific training to carry out the task.

Some people were prescribed medicines on an ‘as required’ basis. There were personalised protocols in place which gave staff clear guidance about how each person would express the need for these medicines. This helped to make sure people received these medicines appropriately even if they were unable to verbalise a need.

Staff made sure people’s medicines were regularly reviewed to ensure they did not take unnecessary medicines.