Working at Dalling House

Systems and processes to report and address accidents and incidents were not always robustly followed. There was no clear process in place to ensure all learning opportunities were taken following incidents... Whilst we were on site, a staff member slipped and fell on the kitchen floor. It was reported... this was not the first time this had happened.

There were mixed views in relation to the culture at the home. Staff supervision had been inconsistent over the past year... “There are opportunities to speak up, but nothing changes” and, “I don’t feel completely supported or appreciated in my role.”

Feedback from people and their relatives regarding staff levels was mixed... “Not always enough. I go in at different times and they always seem short. Been in on a Sunday and just 2 staff, that’s not enough for 18 people,” and, “They all seem to double up on roles. Some doing cooking one day and out on the floor the next.” Staff feedback... “Staffing is sometimes an issue, especially at weekends. Agency/bank can be cancelled last minute.”

Feedback from staff regarding leadership at the service was mixed. Staff spoke generally of the registered manager being approachable. However, some staff expressed a feeling of being uncomfortable that there were CCTV cameras in some staffing areas and reported feeling ‘watched’ by the management team. The leadership and management cover had been inconsistent over recent months.