Villa Maria

This report summarises an unannounced inspection of Villa Maria on 13 and 14 June 2018. The inspection assessed the service's performance against key CQC standards, looking at how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the care provision is. The report highlights improvements made since the previous inspection in February 2017, addressing specific regulatory breaches and reflecting a positive overall change in the service's operation.

In terms of safety, the home has made significant progress in ensuring people receive safe care and treatment. Improvements have been made to skin care, hydration monitoring, and medication management, and staff are trained to recognise and report abuse. Infection control measures are in place, and accident analysis helps to prevent future incidents. A small number of fire safety improvements are planned.

Regarding how effective the care is, the service now has robust systems for obtaining consent to care and treatment, adhering to legislation and guidance. People are supported to eat and drink sufficiently, and coordinated care is provided when residents move between services or access healthcare. The accommodation is well-designed to meet residents' needs.

On the caring aspect, residents are treated with kindness and respect, receiving person-centred care and emotional support. They are encouraged to express their views and be involved in decisions about their care, with their privacy and dignity maintained. Confidential information is kept private, and the support for end-of-life care is noted as dignified.

In terms of responsiveness, the care provided is personalised and meets residents' needs, including support for hobbies and spiritual needs. The service has effective arrangements for managing complaints and concerns to improve quality, and provisions are in place for comfortable end-of-life care.

Finally, the service is well-led. There are effective systems for monitoring the service and consulting with residents. The registered manager fosters an inclusive culture, ensuring staff understand their responsibilities and regulatory requirements are met. The service actively partners with other agencies to promote integrated care.