The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Meadowview Neurological Centre in Bradley Way, Beggarwood, as requires improvement following an inspection on August 3 and 4, with its report published on September 28.
The centre provides accommodation with nursing care for up to 28 people living with neurological conditions, acquired brain injuries and other complex needs. There were 15 people living at the home at the time of the inspection.
Inspectors identified a breach of regulations relating to good governance and found that people’s communication needs were not always fully supported. They also found records were incomplete in relation to mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions.
The CQC said care plans were not consistently person-centred and noted there were no formal opportunities for residents to provide feedback about the service. Although the provider had identified some areas for improvement through its own audits and reviews, inspectors said further work was needed to embed changes.
Residents also raised concerns about staffing levels. Some told inspectors there were not always enough staff available and that they sometimes had to wait for support. Others said limited staffing reduced opportunities for trips and activities outside the home.
Inspectors also noted that staff had not received training to support residents with specific communication needs.
Despite those concerns, the home was rated good in three categories: safety, effectiveness and caring. Inspectors found residents’ needs were assessed regularly, risk assessments were completed and care plans provided staff with guidance on keeping people safe.
The report said safeguarding concerns were managed appropriately, residents received enough food and drink, and the home was clean and well maintained. Infection prevention measures were being followed and safety checks were carried out across the building and on equipment.
Staff worked with healthcare professionals to monitor residents’ health and managers investigated incidents, sharing lessons learnt with staff where appropriate.
A staff member told inspectors: “[Registered manager] is always coming on the floor and asking if we’re okay, and [clinical lead] as well. If we’re short on the floor they will come and help.”
Residents and relatives also praised aspects of the service.
One relative said: “I feel [name] is safe here; it’s wonderful.”
Most residents said they enjoyed living at Meadowview, with one telling inspectors: “I love it here.”
Residents described the food as “very good” and said they had enough to eat and drink. Inspectors also noted the appointment of a new activities co-ordinator, which residents hoped would improve opportunities available to them.
The provider has been asked to submit an action plan setting out how it will address the concerns raised.
A spokesperson for Meadowview Neurological Centre said: “We welcome the Care Quality Commission’s recognition that Meadow View provides safe, effective and caring services, with all three areas rated Good.
“We have already developed and begun implementing a robust action plan to address the areas identified for improvement, and we look forward to demonstrating the progress made in the weeks and months ahead.
“The wellbeing, safety and quality of life of the people we support remain our highest priorities. We will continue working closely with our colleagues, residents, families, commissioners and the CQC to ensure we deliver the highest possible standards of care.”