Rathside Rest Home

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• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good.This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.The service effectively assessed people’s needs using consistent processes that involved people, relatives and relevant professionals. Staff gathered information from pre‑admission documents, hospital assessments and family input, and they reviewed care plans regularly to ensure they reflected people’s current needs. A person told us, “(Staff) asked everything and listened to what I wanted,” and relatives described being included in discussions about changes. Health professionals said communication was “excellent” and that staff escalated concerns promptly.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.The service delivered care and treatment in line with current guidance, including appropriate dietary support, pressure area care monitoring and use of recognised assessment tools. People described receiving food in the correct texture, such as, “They blend [Person]’s food and help her to eat it,” and a relative said, “[Person] is eating and drinking very well.” Staff demonstrated knowledge of people’s needs and worked closely with external partners such as GPs and district nurses to review medicines and treatment plans. Professionals told us staff were “very proactive” and followed clinical advice reliably.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.Staff teams communicated effectively through handovers, daily records and regular contact with external health services. Relatives said staff kept them informed, with one stating, “If they are concerned, they call me and discuss what needs to be done.” A community nurse told us it was “easy to liaise” with the team and that the service escalated concerns appropriately and in a timely manner. Staff confirmed they worked collaboratively with GPs, therapists and community nursing teams, and that referrals were responded to quickly.

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.Staff encouraged people to maintain their independence where possible and supported them with their mobility, nutrition, personal hygiene and general wellbeing. People described a range of activities and opportunities for meaningful engagement, including tailored one‑to‑one engagement for those unable to join group sessions. A relative said, “They really look after [Person] and they love it here,” noting improvements in appetite, weight and hydration. Health partners described the environment as “very clean” and staff as “on time with pressure relief,” which supported people to stay well.

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.Staff monitored people’s health needs through food and fluid charts, repositioning schedules, wound care records and regular reviews. They acted on changes promptly, contacting external professionals when needed, and relatives told us they felt fully involved, with one saying, “I get a yearly report on [Person]’s condition and am involved in any changes.” Staff demonstrated understanding of how to identify early signs of deterioration, such as infections or skin changes. Professionals confirmed that the service “escalates effectively” and contributed positively to people’s clinical outcomes.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and sought people’s consent before providing care, as observed during medication and mealtime support. People and relatives told us staff always explained what they were doing, with one stating, “They talk to me if they’re going to change medications and explain why.” Staff could describe who had capacity to make decisions and how they involved relatives in best-interests discussions when required. Care records showed capacity assessments were completed and reviewed, supporting consistent practice.