Working at Orchard House Care Centre

Not enough staff at times like weekends so call bells go unanswered and people wait for help, plus gaps in job checks when hiring new staff.

We received mixed views... 'At weekends it’s difficult to get anyone. I thought it was because they didn’t like me, but it’s generally like that. I have to wait...'; Within 2 recruitment files there where long gaps in employment which had not been identified... breach of Regulation 19.

Care records often inconsistent or missing details so staff lack clear guidance on managing risks like choking or falls.

We reviewed 9 people’s care records and identified some contained inconsistent information or lacked detail... their choking risk assessment and care plan detailed different food textures... clear guidance was not always recorded... breach of Regulation 17.

Managers missed problems like poor records and hiring checks through their audits, so issues built up unnoticed.

These concerns had not been identified or addressed through the service’s audits... Leaders were not always alert to issues that may affect the quality of people's care... two breaches of regulation.