We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask; ' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well-led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people who used the service, their relatives, the staff supporting them and from looking at records.
Is the service safe?
Staff had received training in relation to health and safety matters and they were confident about what to do in an emergency situation.
Changes to staffing arrangements took place without appropriate assessment of people's needs therefore staff did not have all the information they needed to ensure people were safe at all times during their stay at the service.
People who used the service were cared for and supported by the right amount of appropriately qualified, skilled and experienced staff.
Systems for assessing and monitoring the quality of the service failed to identify the lack of appropriate checks on the environment and equipment used at the service therefore putting people's health, welfare and safety at risk.
Is the service effective?
People who used the service responded positively to staff and we observed good relationships between staff and people who used the service.
There was a stable staff group at the service and they were familiar with the needs of people who used the service.
Systems for assessing and monitoring the quality of the service were not fully effective because they failed to identify the lack of proper assessment of people's needs and care planning.
The lack of appropriate records in respect of people who used the service meant they did not always receive effective care and support.
Is the service caring?
During our inspection we observed that staff spent time with people who used the service and people told us the staff were kind. People responded positively to members of staff, which showed that good relationships existed between them.
One relative said, 'My relative is well looked after by good staff.'
People who used the service and their relatives were complimentary of the staff and the service they provided. People's comments included, 'The staff are kind.' 'My daughter has been going there for many years and has always enjoyed her stay.'
Is the service responsive?
Relatives of people who used the service told us that staff communicated well with them, one person's relative said, 'They get in touch if they have any concerns or need to know anything.'
The service did not respond appropriately to changes within the service by carrying out assessments of people's needs.
Is the service well-led?
Staff had a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities and they were clear about the management structure of the service.
The registered manager of the service had recently left the service on a temporary basis and a senior member of staff had been appointed to oversee the day to day running of the service. At the time of our visit a new temporary manager was being appointed to manage the service.
Staff told us that a visit from a representative of the provider had not taken place for some time, therefore checks had not taken place to ensure that the service was being managed effectively and in the best interest of people who used the service.