Summerhill

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. ​

At our last inspection we rated this key question requires improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.​

This service scored 69 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. They listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. People received safe care because staff learned from safety alerts and incidents. Any incidents about people's safety were discussed with staff in a timely way, with action taken to mitigate further risks. A staff member commented, “We discuss any incidents with staff individually and at staff meetings.”

Staff at the service worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.A professional commented, “The senior staff are always prompt in informing me if a new resident has been admitted, allowing them to confirm any medicines queries, they may have.” Information was collected before people started to use the service, and a detailed hospital passport was prepared to ensure their needs could be met, if they moved elsewhere. A relative told us, “[Name] had another spell in hospital, hospital staff liaised with Summerhill staff, [Name] was back the next day.”

Staff at the service worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The service shared concerns quickly and appropriately.People and relatives told us they felt safe, they would speak with staff if they were worried, and they always felt listened to.A person commented, “Staff are very professional and trustworthy.”

Staff worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. They provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risks to people had been assessed and risk assessments had been put in place to help mitigate risks. Staff supported people safely and appropriate equipment was available if people needed assistance. A relative told us, “Staff have encouraged [Name] to use the walker rather than the walking stick.”

Staff at the service detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.A person commented, “There is a system of looking after people safely. Staff come into the room every 2 hours, and there is a falls sensor to alert staff as well.” Environmental risks were assessed and addressed. Equipment was regularly serviced to maintain safety.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. However, we discussed reviewing ancillary staffing hours and staffing levels, including at weekends, to ensure care staff did not have to cover the ancillary tasks when domestic and laundry staff were not on duty, thus detracting from people’s care. The registered manager told us this was being addressed. There were sufficient staff to support people safely. People and relative’s comments included, “Staff can be busy”, “Staff have a lot of work to do”, “I do not really need to press the buzzer, staff regularly put their heads around the door” and “Staff are well trained they want to help you.”

Staff at the service assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.Staff told us personal protective equipment (PPE) and all cleaning materials needed were available. They confirmed they had received infection control training. A relative commented, “Staff keep the place really clean.” There was a malodour on a corridor by the dining room, which was discussed with the registered manager, they were aware of it and told us they were working to resolve the odour.

Staff at the service made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. They involved people in planning, including when changes happened.There was information available on how people took their medicines. Records of regular medicines were well-maintained and followed national guidance including recording people’s allergies. A person told us, “Staff come regularly with my tablets, they come when they should.”