The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: St Lawrence

Churchill Drive, Crediton, Devon, EX17 2EF (01363) 773173

Provided and run by:
Devon County Council

All Inspections

27 September and 4 October 2013

During a routine inspection

There were 22 people living at the serive on 27th September 2013 and 23 people living at the service on the 4th October 2013; we met with or saw the majority of people. The service consisted of four 'units'; Willow and Rosella provided care for older people with dementia; and Nightingale and Bluebell provided care and accommodation for older people with general health and social care needs.

We spoke in depth with seven people to hear about their experiences. Overall people were happy with the care and support they received and all told us they felt safe at St Lawrence. Comments included, 'Nothing is too much trouble for the staff', 'I love it here. I can come and go as I please', 'They have been welcoming and friendly since I arrived' and 'Things are ok. I am well cared for here'.

We also spoke with two visiting relatives, one health professional and 11 members of staff; including the registered manager, deputy manager, team leaders, care staff and ancillary staff.

Relatives told us they were 'happy' and 'satisfied' with the care and support provided to their family member. Their comments included, 'The staff are excellent' and 'They look after X so well'. However one relative raised concerns about staffing levels on one of the dementia units, telling us 'They could do with more staff on this unit. X has to wait for assistance at times' A visiting health professional said, 'This is a really good home. I have no concerns'.

Overall, we found care was planned and delivered by a staff group who were experienced. Consent was sought and obtained in relation to the care and support people received. The provider had a system in place to assess and monitor the quality of service that people received.

We found that St Lawrence was meeting five of the six outcomes we inspected. At this inspection we found that there were not always enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs.

10 January 2013

During a routine inspection

There were 25 people living at St Lawrence on the day of this inspection. We spoke with the registered manager, deputy manager, two team leaders and three agency care workers. We also spoke with nine people who lived at the home.

People's privacy, dignity and independence were respected. People's views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. Comments included 'They are always kind, always respectful.'

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. People's care needs had been discussed and agreed with them. Staff understood each person's care and support needs.

People were protected from the risks of inadequate nutrition and dehydration. Comments included 'The food is lovely!'

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. We saw medicines were stored, administered and recorded safely.

People who used the service, staff and visitors were protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. All areas of the home were safe and well maintained.

There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs. People told us they thought the staffing levels were adequate.

There was an effective complaints system available. Comments and complaints people made were responded to appropriately.

3 August 2011

During a routine inspection

We carried out an unannounced visit to the home as part of our routine schedule of inspections. One inspector visited the service on 3 August 2011. On the day of our visit 27 people were living at the home. Both men and women were living at the home and all people living there were older people of 65 years or more. We saw all the people living at the home, spoke with most in communal lounges or dining rooms and we had the opportunity to speak with six people in private. People told us that St. Lawrence was a pleasant place to live with kind staff who listened and acted upon their concerns. People expressed concern about the perceived high use of agency staff as this could mean that agency staff were unfamiliar with their needs. However, people also told us that agency staff have been helpful and that permanent staffing vacancies were in the process of being filled. People said the home was kept clean and that meals were good. We spoke to two relatives of people who live at the service. Both expressed satisfaction with the care of their family member.