Blackthorns

“Blackthorns is a purpose-built residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 62 people. The service provides support to older people including people living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 53 people living in the service.”

“This assessment was triggered by concerns we had received about the service. The assessment took place between 24 July 2024 and 22 August 2024 and included 2 unannounced site visits on the 24 July 2024 and 7 August 2024. Following feedback, we continued to request and review information to clarify points raised. We spoke with 13 people living in the service, and 15 staff during the site visits, and spoke with 16 people’s relatives/advocates. We also received feedback from 4 health and social care professionals. We assessed a total of 23 quality statements. For the quality statements we did not assess, we used the ratings awarded at the last inspection (published March 2023) to calculate the overall rating. At the last inspection, Blackthorns was rated good, after having been previously rated requires improvement (published June 2019). During this assessment we found concerns with the quality and safety of people’s care. We identified 2 breaches of the legal regulations in relation to risks associated with safe care, and management oversight. Risk was not always safely managed. Audits and checks were not independently picking up risk placed people at risk of potential harm. The overall rating of this service has changed to requires improvement.”