Working at Austen Court Care Home

Some lapses in infection control like items left on toilet floors and using an ice cream tub for used needles, even though fixed quickly.

in the communal toilet on Dashwood unit there were items such as tissue, incontinence pads and wet wipes were on the floor and an open metal bin contained a soiled item... staff were currently using an ice cream container as a sharps bin.

Staff numbers are sufficient but recent recruitment problems mean they had to set up new plans for covering shortages.

The provider had experienced some challenges with recruitment. However, this had improved... there were now better arrangements and procedures in place to cover in the event of staff shortages.

Only standard training like dementia care and first aid, no specialist courses or funded qualifications mentioned.

Staff had received a range of training which included training in areas such as infection control, dementia, moving and assisting, fire safety, food safety, basic first aid and mental health awareness... completed recognised care qualifications such as the care certificate.