An Exmouth care home 'requires improvement', the Care Quality Commission has warned.

During its inspection in December, the health watchdog said Knappe Cross Care Centre had not identified some people had not opened their bowels for several days, putting them "at risk of harm due to constipation".

The CQC added that during the lunchtime it observed one person was "distressed" and in pain over being in too small a wheelchair.

It was "several minutes" before staff responded, and despite the fact that the management team were aware the wheelchair was not appropriate, they had not addressed the issue.

The watchdog also described how medicines were "not always managed safely" and risk assessments had not been completed for flammable paraffin-based creams.

Guidance had also not been sought from a pharmacist about the effectiveness of crushed medicines given in yoghurt, which is reportedly necessary as crushing can alter the chemical properties of the medication.

'A culture of openness and honesty'

However, the CQC said that the management team "promoted a culture of openness and honesty". 

It added that they were open and transparent during the inspection and took immediate action in response to concerns raised. 

This included seeking advice from external health professionals, ensuring staff were aware of the importance of monitoring and recording, and arranging relevant training. Improvements were also made to monitoring systems.

'I have complete faith and trust in the quality of care'

Residents and relatives "spoke highly" of the quality and safety of the service.

Comments included: "They do everything to accommodate both of us. They support us with telephone calls morning and afternoon, and when I visit twice a week for a couple of hours. Completely brilliant."

And: "I have no concerns about [family members'] safety. She has often said that they are good and that she's happy there."

And also: "I have complete faith and trust in the quality of care and understanding of all staff members."

Staff said that they "felt valued" and happy working at the service.

They knew how to deal with accidents and incidents, what action to take and how they should be recorded. 

A recent staff failure to manage an incident in line with the service's policy had been thoroughly investigated, and "robust" action taken to minimise the risk of recurrence. 

The registered manager also held regular group supervisions to discuss any concerns with the staff team and share any learning.

Nub News contacted Knappe Cross Care Centre for comment but it did not respond by the time of publication.