Initiating an Intensive Programme of Reform

Fulcrum consultant Trisha Kelly’s plan was to undertake an audit, come up with an action plan and then prepare the home for the next CQC inspection.

She carefully checked the CQC report to identify the areas of most concern. This helped shape a programme of mini mock inspections, from which she created an action plan. Trisha then worked with the home’s manager to implement the plan and rectify the issues at the home.

Trisha held staff meetings with senior staff and discussed care planning and record keeping. She set up a best practice file, along with lessons learnt, and these too were discussed at the staff meetings.

Trisha spent time carrying out observations on staff practices, which were used alongside the competency assessments for staff. She started to implement regular sessions, where staff would be asked, “what five things do you know about MCA, DOLS, and the residents?” This helped staff to develop their knowledge of everything to do with the home and its procedures.

Trisha also shared information and tools to carry out choking assessments, pressure sore audits and air cell mattress checks. She also worked with the home management team to review the audits they had carried out at the home and helped update action plans where action had been taken to rectify areas of concern.

After only a handful of visits by Fulcrum Care, the CQC returned unannounced to reinspect the care home. It had been only eight days since Fulcrum Care had started at the home, but luckily Trisha was on hand to support the manager during the inspection, demonstrating to the inspectors the changes and improvements that had already been made.