Working at Birch Hall Care Centre

Bosses have not checked things properly, causing safety risks and poor records.

The provider's quality assurance systems, audits and action plans were ineffective and there had been a lack of oversight by the provider which had resulted in a number of shortfalls that could place people at risk of not receiving proper and safe care.

Medication not handled safely all the time, with gaps in records and processes.

There were shortfalls in areas such as medicines disposal, handwritten entries, storage, as needed medicines and recording administered medicines. One person's medication administration record (MAR) did not indicate any allergies and there were gaps on the administration of creams charts.

High use of agency staff and turnover means the team isn't stable enough.

Prior to the inspection, people raised concerns about the high use of agency staff and turnover of staff. Records showed shortfalls were covered by existing staff or with regular agency staff to maintain staffing levels. Staff felt there were enough staff to meet people's needs but needed more permanent staff.