Background to this inspection
Updated
3 January 2019
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
This comprehensive inspection took place on 05 December 2018 and was unannounced.
The inspection team consisted of one inspector and an expert-by-experience who had experience of the care of older people. An expert-by-experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. Prior to this inspection, we reviewed information that we held about the service, such as notifications. These are events that happen in the service that the provider is required to tell us about. We also considered the last inspection report and information that had been sent to us by other agencies. We also contacted commissioners who had a contract with the service.
During the inspection, we spoke with four people who used the service and a relative, to obtain their views about the service they received. We spoke with the registered manager, three care staff, a housekeeper, the cook, and a visiting community nurse.
We observed staff providing support to people in the communal areas of the service. This was so we could understand people's experiences. By observing the care received, we could determine whether or not they were comfortable with the support they were provided with.
We reviewed a range of records about people's care and how the service was managed. This included looking at two people's care records and associated documents. We reviewed records of meetings, staff rotas and staff training records. We also reviewed the quality assurance audits the management team had completed.
Updated
3 January 2019
St Michael’s View is a residential care home for up to 34 older people including those with dementia and/or a physical disability. The home is situated in the residential area of Hallcroft in the market town of Retford. Accommodation was available on two floors, although at the time of the inspection only the ground floor accommodation was being used, as there were only 11 people using the service. This was because the provider planned to close the service in early 2019.
At our last inspection, on 24 August 2016, we rated the service as good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring, that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
Processes were in place to safeguard people from abuse. Risks to people’s health and safety were assessed and actions taken to reduce these risks. Incidents and accidents were reported, investigated, and action to prevent recurrence, were identified. There were sufficient numbers of staff with the right qualifications, skills and experience to provide a high standard of care.
The premises and equipment were maintained to ensure people’s safety and the required safety checks were completed regularly. Arrangements were in place to maintain good standards of hygiene and cleanliness and people were protected by procedures to prevent and control infection.
People continued to receive an effective service. Staff received the training and support they required to meet people’s individual needs. People were provided with a healthy and nutritious diet and were provided with the support they needed to eat and drink sufficiently. Staff worked well with external health care professionals and people were supported to access health services when required. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in place supported this practice.
Staff were caring and compassionate towards the people they cared for and we observed a relaxed, friendly atmosphere within the home. They protected people’s privacy and dignity and spoke discreetly with people when discussing their support. People were involved in discussing their care and support needs.
People continued to receive care that was responsive to their individual needs. Staff developed a good level of knowledge about the people they cared for and they responded effectively to their needs and wishes. People were treated equally, without discrimination. People were encouraged to maintain their relationships and contacts outside the home. A range of activities were provided, based on people’s interests and wishes.
The service continued to be well led. The quality and consistency of care was monitored through the use of audits and the views of staff, people using the service and visitors was sought. Improvements were identified from the results of these activities, to facilitate the continuous improvement of the quality of the service provided.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.