St Mary's Court

This report from the Care Quality Commission provides an overview of St Mary's Court, a care home providing accommodation, personal care, and nursing for up to 90 people. The inspection, which took place on 9 and 11 October 2018, assessed the service across five key areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. The home was purpose-built, bright, and airy, offering residents access to outdoor spaces. The report details the findings of the inspection team, which included speaking with residents, relatives, and staff, as well as reviewing various records.

Regarding safety, residents generally felt secure, with staff being attentive and available. The home has robust safeguarding procedures and risk assessments are in place, though some initial omissions were identified and addressed by the manager. While medication administration was well-managed, there was an occasional oversight in recording cream applications. Systems for managing environmental and equipment safety were also present, with a minor omission noted on a checklist for a suction machine. Staff recruitment processes were thorough, ensuring suitability. There were mixed comments regarding staffing levels, with some residents and relatives noting occasional delays in getting up or difficulty accommodating specific carer preferences when short-staffed, although a visible staff presence and prompt responses to calls were also observed.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents reported their needs being discussed before admission, leading to confidence in the care received. Staff are well-trained, with a comprehensive induction program and ongoing development opportunities, including on-site training support. Residents enjoy the food, which is presented appealingly, and nutritional needs are monitored. While staff are aware of specific dietary needs, one instance of a nut allergy not being consistently recorded in kitchen information was noted and promptly addressed. The home promotes independence during mealtimes, and staff support residents with dignity. The service operates in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, with staff trained on responsibilities and choices for residents, though some best interest decisions needed to be more decision-specific.

For caring, residents felt comfortable with staff, who were described as thoughtful, patient, respectful, and kind. Staff knew residents well and supported them in making choices, contributing to residents leading full lives with access to a good range of activities. Relatives expressed confidence that concerns would be promptly and appropriately addressed by the registered manager.

Concerning how responsive the service is, people and their relatives knew how to raise concerns or make complaints and felt assured they would be acted upon. The service also ensured referrals were made to specialist healthcare professionals when needed, and residents were supported to lead fulfilling lives with access to activities.

Finally, in assessing how well-led the service is, the provider and registered manager demonstrated a clear vision, with effective systems for monitoring and development. Staff took pride in their work, felt valued, and understood the service's values. The leadership consistently strived for outstanding care, with elements of this evident in staff training and activities provided. Any identified shortfalls, primarily documentation-related, were promptly addressed by the management.