Care facility requires improvement of safety procedures, say inspectors

Health watchdogs say a Teesside care facility requires improvement.

The Care Quality Commission said Beechfield Court Extra Care in Middlesbrough's Beresford Crescent requires improvement in the categories of 'safe' and 'well led', leading to an overall grading of requiring improvement. However, a report into the facility found that it was 'good' in the categories of being Effective, Caring and Responsive.

In their report into the facility, which is operated by Dale Care Limited, inspectors said: "We found evidence that showed although some systems were in place to provide effective care and support to people, some improvements were required to ensure it was safe, timely and person-centred care to people.

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"There were regulatory breaches identified with regard to safe care and treatment and medicines management and good governance following this visit. Medicines were not managed safely. Improvements were needed to rota management to ensure people received safe, timely and consistent care from staff whom all knew their care and support needs.

"Risk was not always well-managed as the service did not have effective systems in place to proactively identify and manage risks before safety events happened."

The report said systems were in place for concerns to be addressed, but some people were not confident they would be listened to. Inspectors added: "Lessons were not always learned from safety incidents or complaints, resulting in repeated incidents and concerns."

However, the inspectors found the majority of residents and their relatives felt included in decisions about care.

The report said: "Most people told us they felt safe and staff responded immediately if they needed support. A person commented,"I feel safe living here, I just press my pendant if I need anything and usually staff respond fairly quickly, not always at night, although they are improving".

One resident said: "I feel totally safe when using the hoist and I trust the carers they allow me to be as independent as I can but also supportive, the carers know my routine and are confident and competent." Another relative told inspectors: "I am included in the care planning of my loved one's care, the carers are very good we have a good rapport, plenty of banter and laughter, they respect my loved one and allow them to be as independent as they can."

Inspectors said they found mixed feedback about staffing with some saying there was not enough continuity of care and staff didn't turn up on time. The report said rotas are not managed effectively.

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