Wellburn 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 assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment 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.

Accidents and incidents were monitored to see if lessons could be learnt to help keep people safe. Staff prioritised people’s wellbeing and safety, and the provider had systems in place to achieve this. One member of staff said, “I believe that our strengths are in the levels of a safe and caring environment provided for the residents.”

People told us they were happy at the service, and they and their relatives said it met their needs. A relative told us, “I am confident that they are able to give the help needed.” Professionals we spoke with did not raise any concerns about people’s placements at the service.

Staff received safeguarding training, and said they would immediately raise any concerns they had. Where concerns were raised they had been appropriately reported and investigated. One person told us, “I definitely feel safe, I have no reason not to.”

People and relatives told us staff involved them in keeping people safe. One relative said, “At home [named person] was always concerned about things, but here she is safe, happy and relaxed.” Risks to people were assessed and plans put in place to reduce the chances of harm occurring. For example, people who were at risk of falls had plans in place with guidance for staff on how they could be supported to mobilise safely.

Regular checks of the premises and equipment were undertaken to ensure they were safe to use. Required testing and safety certificates were in place. The premises were clean and tidy, and during our visit we saw staff monitoring potential risks such as trip hazards and addressing them. Plans were in place to support people in emergency situations that disrupted the service.

The provider monitored staffing levels to ensure people received safe and effective support. One person said, “There’s always plenty of staff, and of course that makes me feel safe. The staff help me with anything I want.” The provider’s recruitment process reduced the risk of unsuitable staff being employed. This included seeking references and Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Regular training took place to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills needed in their roles. This included training to support autistic people and people with a learning disability. One member of staff said, “The training within Akari (the registered provider) is of a good standard.” Staff were supported with regular supervisions and appraisals. One member of staff told us, “I have always found they (supervisions) benefit my job role and management always encourage me to progress.”

Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) systems were in place. The provider had an IPC policy, and staff received training in this area. The premises were clean and tidy, and during our visit we saw regular cleaning was taking place.

Medicines were stored securely. Controlled drugs (medicines liable to misuse) were stock checked regularly, however we found two bottles of medicine that were out of date. We told staff about this and action was taken. Oxygen was stored securely, and appropriate signage was in place. Where changes to medicines had occurred, prescribing notes were printed and placed with the medicines records to facilitate communication. For most medicines we checked stock balances were correct, however on a small number of occasions some medicines counts were not correct. We brought this to the attention of the registered manager, who took immediate action during the inspection. Topical medicines had body maps and records of administration were in place, though further work was needed to ensure that records accurately reflected application. A process had been developed to assist staff in the safe application of patches and once embedded this would ensure that patch application records clearly recorded the location each patch was applied to. Protocols to support staff in safe administration of when required and variable dose medicines were person centred and available for care staff to follow. However, outcomes of administrations were not always recorded. We discussed this with the registered manager, who said this process would be reviewed and action taken. Audit processes were in place. The week before our visit the provider had audited medicines and identified the areas of improvement we found during the inspection. Action plans were in place to implement the changes needed, however actions required dates for completion.