St Joseph's - Manchester

This report details the findings from a recent inspection of St Joseph's – Manchester, a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 43 older people, including those with dementia and complex nursing needs. The inspection assessed five key areas: safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness, and leadership, with the aim of providing families with a clear understanding of the service's quality.

On safety, the home is perceived as a very secure place to live, with robust safeguarding policies and staff well-trained to recognise and report abuse. Risk assessments are thorough, and maintenance of the premises and equipment is maintained to a high standard, with sufficient staffing levels ensuring residents are never rushed. While most medication processes were safe, a small issue regarding the storage of some creams was noted and promptly addressed, and there was a minor gap in documentation for 'as and when' medicines for some residents which has been assured will be rectified.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents experience excellent mealtimes with varied and homemade food, with individual dietary needs meticulously catered for, leading to improved health outcomes for some. The home works proactively with various healthcare professionals, including an on-site GP, to ensure residents receive timely and appropriate support for their health. Staff are well-trained, with a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing development, and the environment is thoughtfully adapted to support residents with features like colour-coding and handrails.

The service is exceptionally caring, with staff consistently praised for their kindness, compassion, and dedication, often going above and beyond for residents. Relationships with staff are described as genuine, and this compassionate approach extends to supporting families during difficult times, including bereavement. The home fosters a sense of purpose and belonging for residents, treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.

In its responsiveness, St Joseph's – Manchester excels at supporting residents to maintain their important relationships and enabling them to form new friendships. The home actively involves residents in their care, ensuring their views are heard and decisions are made with their involvement, empowering them to control their lives in the least restrictive way possible.

Overall, the service is exceptionally well-led, with a clear vision and strong leadership that inspires staff. There's a consistently positive and open culture, and management leads by example, fostering high staff morale and a sense of being valued. Effective quality assurance systems are in place, and the home is dedicated to continuously improving the resident experience. While the overall outcomes are outstanding, the report highlights minor areas for continued attention in medication record-keeping and the completeness of all 'as and when' medicine protocols to ensure the highest standards are met.