St Stephens Nursing Home

This summary reflects the findings of a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection for St Stephens Nursing Home. The report assesses the home across five key areas to ensure it provides high-quality care. Overall, the inspection found that the service is well-managed and meets the needs of its residents. The report highlights positive feedback from people living at the home, who consistently expressed satisfaction with the care and support they receive.

In terms of safety, the home continues to protect residents from harm. Staff are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and recruitment practices are robust. While the home is larger than current guidance suggests, its design and integration into the residential area help mitigate any potential negative impact. Risks are well-assessed and managed, including those related to pressure areas, and the environment and equipment are maintained safely. Positive risk-taking, such as engaging in activities like horse riding and climbing, is encouraged with thorough safety assessments in place. Staff are well-supported and there are sufficient numbers to meet residents' needs. Medicines are managed safely by trained nurses, and effective infection control systems are in place. Lessons are learned from incidents, and improvements are made to enhance safety.

Regarding effectiveness, the service ensures that residents' care achieves good outcomes and promotes a good quality of life. Assessments are holistic and involve residents and their families, with regular reviews of support plans. Staff receive ongoing training and supervision to maintain their skills and competency, including specialised training when needed. Residents are actively involved in decisions about their meals, and the food is generally well-received. The home works collaboratively with external agencies, such as GPs and therapists, to provide consistent and timely care. The service is designed to meet residents' needs, and residents have access to a garden and personal spaces. Residents are supported to maintain their health and access healthcare services, with detailed health plans in place. The home operates within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring residents' choices and control are respected, and any restrictions are legally authorised and in their best interests.

In its caring aspects, the home consistently treats residents with compassion, kindness, dignity, and respect. Feedback from healthcare professionals and residents themselves describes staff as brilliant and the care as supportive and very caring. Interactions between staff and residents are positive and inclusive, fostering mutual respect and a relaxed atmosphere. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of residents' backgrounds and preferences. They actively help residents stay in touch with loved ones. Residents are supported to express their views and are involved in decisions about their care, with staff respecting their choices and ensuring privacy, dignity, and independence are maintained.

The service is also noted as responsive, with residents' individual needs and preferences being central to care planning. The home actively supports residents in pursuing their interests and maintaining relationships that matter to them, ensuring they feel part of their local community. Residents are encouraged to use local resources, and their feedback is sought on key issues affecting them. They receive the support needed to stay healthy and access healthcare services, with up-to-date support plans that are reviewed regularly. The home also ensures residents’ rights, dignity, and privacy are respected throughout their care.

Finally, the home is well-led, with a clear vision and strong governance in place. The registered manager and provider are responsible for the quality and safety of the service. There are effective systems for monitoring quality and making improvements. Residents are consulted on matters affecting them, and their feedback is taken seriously. The service actively promotes a culture of learning and development for staff, ensuring they are well-supported in their roles. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure safe and effective care, and these are regularly reviewed and updated. The home consistently applies best practice guidance to promote people's independence, choice, and inclusion.