Nightingales Nursing Home

“Risk assessment tools were used for managing skin integrity, malnutrition and risks associated with swallowing difficulties. Care plans were developed to support risk management, and these were reviewed with the person and/or their family members Care plans were comprehensive and told staff how to meet people’s needs safely and in the way they preferred. Some risk assessment records we reviewed provided generic advice which was not applicable to the individual. The provider agreed to review these records and update them accordingly.”

“Staff followed people’s care plans and risk assessments and managed risks appropriately. For example, people were supported to change their position to reduce the risk of pressure sores. Where people had moved into the service with pressure sores, they had healed. Each person had access to an alternating airwave mattress designed to reduce the risk of pressure sores developing.”

“People’s food and fluid intake was monitored and where there was an identified nutritional risk, additional snacks and fortified drinks were offered. Staff monitored people’s weight and took action such as referring to the community nutrition team or GP for any weight changes. A varied and nutritional diet was provided, and people had a choice of meals or snacks. All meals were home cooked and fresh fruit and vegetables were available.”

“People had their medicines at the right time and in the right way. Staff had training and had their competency to manage people’s medicines assessed to ensure it was safe and met best practice guidance. Medicine administration records were accurate and up to date. People had their medication reviewed by the prescriber to ensure they remained effective. Medicines were stored safely and securely in line with manufacturers requirements. Additional air-cooling systems had been installed to manage room temperatures during the recent heatwaves. The provider had syringe drivers to support the management of pain and sickness when people where at the end of their life. Staff had additional training and had their competency assessed before having responsibility to administer medicines through the syringe driver. There was no one receiving end of life care at the time of this assessment.”

“The service provided nursing care and always had qualified nurses on duty. Qualified nurses were supported to keep their practice up to date and to meet the registration requirements of the nursing and midwifery council. They followed best practice advice and guidance; nurses received additional training and had their competency assessed to make sure their practice remained safe and met expected standards. Staff worked closely with external specialist teams to support specific care such as tracheostomy care and gastrostomy feeding.”

“We received positive feedback from external agencies. They told us how outcomes for one person had significantly improved since they moved to the service. They said managers always ensured a smooth transition when people moved in through thorough assessment and involvement in ongoing reviews. Another said, “We get some lovely feedback from families, and the home staff always provide very thorough assessments.””

“The local authorities contract monitoring visit identified areas where improvements were required and asked the provider to follow up on minor actions. The provider had taken action or was in the process of taking action…”