Merrington Grange

On this page

• 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 79 (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.

People’s care plans were up to date and clearly reflected individual health, care, wellbeing and communication needs, to ensure people received care and support which enabled them to achieve the best possible outcomes. Staff added helpful details regarding people’s moods and preferences to the daily notes, sharing descriptive text about daily activities, and information shared was used to review the choice of activities and help avoid people becoming anxious or agitated. Where people were assessed as needing 2:1 support within the community it was provided to support with daily activities.

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. Care plans showed evidence other health professionals were involved in individual care. Referral to health professionals were timely, we saw evidence recommendations from health professionals were being followed such as modified diets. This meant people could be confident the provider sought advice and guidance from those best placed to support best practice in meeting care needs.

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.

It was evident there were good relationships with GPs. Residents had yearly health checks with easy-to-read reports included within their files. Health passports were in files which meant relevant, up to date information could be shared about a person’s needs with relevant parties when needed. Communication with external services was timely and effective.

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 promoted healthy lifestyles in line with people’s likes and preferences. There was evidence to show people were encouraged to take part in active lifestyles with support to access swimming and bike rides within the local community.

The provider monitored all people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and they fully met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves. Monthly key worker reviews highlighted achievements and goals of residents. Goals were consistent, achievable and set to best support the person. There were records on file to show the service was monitoring people’s weight and their food and fluid intake as required.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. Documents reviewed showed consent was obtained and reviewed.

Care plans contained mental capacity assessments and, where necessary, best interest decisions to support the outcome. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) had been applied for appropriately. These applications were reviewed regularly to ensure the least restrictive option was being used whilst delivering care to people.

People’s care plans contained detailed information regarding their communication needs when making decisions, for example sign language or objects of reference, and we observed staff following the plans and supporting people to make choices.