STAFF from a care home in Yate which was recently told it must make improvements say they are determined to prove that changes are already afoot. 

The Meadows, in Cranleigh Court Road, Yate, received a 'requires improvement' grade following a visit from care regulators CQC.

The inspection, which was published last week, took place on Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26.

At the time of inspection, 53 people were using the home, which previously achieved an overall rating of good in May 2019. 

Despite requiring to improve, the care home did receive an outstanding grade for its care and scored good for its effectiveness plus responsiveness, three of the five categories rated in such inspections.

It did however require improvements in the other two categories - whether the home is well-led and safe. 

Gazette Series: The Meadows care home in Yate has been told it requires improvement

During this year's visit, inspectors found particular issues with some safety issues. 

Inspectors wrote: "Risks to people's safety had not always been assessed.

"Some risk assessments had not been routinely reviewed and were not robust. 

"Two people's bedrails had no covers on them - there were gaps in the rails and a risk of entrapment.

"We observed at least five staff members wearing nail varnish and/or gel nails - this is not considered best practice from an infection prevention and control perspective. 

"Although people had not come to harm, there were potential risks to people's safety."

Inspectors also praised staff for responding quickly to the residents and understanding their healthcare needs. 

They said: "Staff administering medicines were trained and had been assessed as competent. 

"There were enough staff on duty to meet people's needs.

"We observed staff around the building and saw they responded quickly to people.

"Incidents and accidents were reported and investigated in a timely manner to keep people safe.

"Staff understood people's healthcare needs and acted appropriately when they recognised changes in people's health."

A spokesperson for Windmill Care, who run the care home, say that staff are determined to show that changes are already afoot, and that they are 'talented, committed and hardworking'. 

They said: “The Meadows has been delivering high quality care to the local residents of South Gloucestershire since 2018.

"The home is staffed by an amazingly talented, committed and hardworking team of over 90, all who live in the local area.

“The home works closely with NHS partners to deliver the reablement facility called Skylarks, supporting 30 local residents of South Glos to return to their homes after a stay in hospital.

"The report records that residents felt safe and the staff were very happy as part of a good team.

“During this visit some areas of the administration and supporting documentation were looked at in detail and some gaps were found.

“These were quickly corrected and where changes were needed, these have already been implemented.

“The team at the home look forward to seeing the inspection team again soon and demonstrating the changes already put in place following the inspection in May.“

The home manager added: “Working on the front line of care is such a privilege - it is always a stressful time when our inspection teams arrive unannounced, though it is a crucial part of the job we do.

“We are of course disappointed by the overall assessment, though delighted with the excellent feedback that the inspectors received from our residents, their families and the many clinical professionals who work with us.”