Working at Kingsdown House

One person's antibiotic suspension had expired and was still being administered up to a week past its expiry date. The records confirmed that this had been happening for many months and staff were giving the medicine over two weeks past the expiry each month.

Staff told us there were not enough staff. They said they covered shifts that were outstanding and were happy to do so to make sure people got consistent support. However, staff told us they were tired. One member of staff said, 'We are short staffed and that is impacting on everyone. I myself feel very tired'.

The provider had previously adopted a nationally recognised approach to positively support people. The registered manager told us this had now changed and a different approach to supporting people whose behaviour challenges had been adopted by the provider. This required specific training centred on the individual. However, no staff had received the training.

The registered manager did not have full oversight of the safety of the service. Action required from servicing and maintenance visits were sent to the provider's head office and the registered manager was not always aware when they would be complete or if they had been completed.