Cartmel Grange care home told it requires improvement

Cartmel Grange, on Allithwaite Road,  Grange, received an overall grade of 'requires improvement' after the inspection, which was carried out on July 14, 2022.

The report identified two areas of concern in the nursing home, which houses up to 73 people, in the categories of 'safe' and 'well-led'.

Regarding Covid safety, the report states: "Good practice measures to manage the risk of Covid-19 were not consistently followed. 

"Staff were observed sat close together not wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when on their break. 

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"Daily testing of staff had been introduced by the provider however not all staff had taken and confirmed a negative test before supporting people."

Another safety observation said: "Each person had a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP).

"A PEEP is a plan for a person who may need assistance, for instance, to evacuate a building or reach a place of safety in the event of an emergency.

"Some PEEPs did not have the correct information related to people's bedroom numbers. 

"This information was updated during the inspection."

The report also identified problems with dispensing medication, including:

"Some prescribed medicines were signed as given by trained staff who did not witness the person being given or swallowing the medicine.

"The inspection also raised issues with Cartmel Grange's 'staffing and recruitment':

"The registered manager did not consistently follow robust recruitment procedures. 

"Criminal record checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service were carried out and appropriate references were sought. 

"However, not all application forms held a full employment history and there was no evidence this had been discussed with the candidate."

A number of people were asked for feedback on the service by the CQC, including six residents, three relatives, thirteen members of staff, and a visiting health professional.

The report said: "One person told us, "I couldn't be treated better.

"I think it is a place where I would like to be at the end of my life.

"One relative commented, 'The staff who are here go above and
beyond. 

"'The only difficulty is the shortage of staff'.

"A second relative expressed concerns related to poor communication from the management team. 

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"In response to claims of poor communication the management and reception teams had increased which allowed additional weekend support to promote effective communication seven days a week."