We carried out a review of the data available to us about Mercury Healthcare Limited on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Mercury Healthcare Limited, you can give feedback on this service.
Mercury Healthcare Limited is registered to provide personal care to older people, people with learning disabilities and/or mental health and physical care needs in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, Mercury Healthcare Limited was supporting seven people with personal care.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were cared for by staff who understood how to keep them safe, however risk assessments did not always provide detailed guidance on how to reduce the risk of harm. People’s medicines were managed safely, however further guidance was needed regarding the administration of ‘as and when required’ medicines. There were enough staff to meet people’s individual needs and care visits were carried out as required. People received care from staff who knew how to recognise and report issues of concern.
People’s needs were assessed, and care was planned using best practice guidance. Staff had received some training to support people effectively, however had not received training to meet people’s specific health needs around diabetes and pressure care. Where required, people’s nutritional needs were met, and referrals made to health professionals to ensure people remained well. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service mostly supported this practice.
We have made a recommendation about reviewing the training provided to ensure it covers people’s specific needs.
The culture of the service was positive. Staff knew people well, were kind and respected people’s privacy and dignity. Positive relationships had been formed between staff and people using the service and people were encouraged to maintain their independence.
Care plans were in place and staff knew how to provide personalised care to meet people’s needs. A complaints process was in place and people and their relatives knew how to raise any concerns and most felt these would be addressed. End of life care was being further developed and training was planned for the staff team.
People, relatives and staff were positive about how the service was managed. The registered manager was visible and approachable. Staff had the opportunity to develop their knowledge and felt well supported. Systems were in place to ensure the registered manager had a good oversight. There was a strong focus to continuously improving and developing the service and the registered manager was proactive in responding to feedback.
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 14 October 2018 and this was the first inspection as the service had not always provided personal care during this time.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection.
Follow up
We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk