Stella Matutina Care Home

Updated 6 March 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

This inspection was to ensure that the service was compliant with infection control and prevention measures. This inspection took place on 04 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 6 March 2021

Stella Matutina is owned and run by The Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, which is a religious order with a charitable status. However people from all religious denominations are welcome to live at the home. The home provides personal care and accommodation to 42 older people. Accommodation is offered in single bedrooms, the majority of which have en suite facilities. The home is situated in a residential area of Lytham St Annes and is close to local shops and amenities.

At the last inspection in February 2015 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

This inspection visit took place on 27 September 2017 and was unannounced.

People who lived at Stella Matutina told us staff were all caring, kind and respectful. In addition relatives also commented how caring and kind the registered manager and staff were. One relative said, “Very caring, staff are excellent.”

The registered manager had procedures in place to minimise the potential risk of abuse or unsafe care. Staff spoken with were able to identify different types of abuse and had received training in safeguarding adults.

The management team had in place safe infection control procedures and staff had received infection control training. We observed during the inspection visit staff wore protective clothing such as gloves and aprons when needed. This reduced the risk of cross infection.

We looked around the building and found it had been maintained, was clean and hygienic and a safe place for people to live. We found equipment had been serviced and maintained as required.

Medicines were stored in a clean and secure environment. We observed staff followed correct procedures when they administered medication during the day of our visit. They fully completed associated records so people received their medication on time and correctly. Also medication audits were in place to ensure procedures were monitored and improved where required.

Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people during the delivery of their care. Care records showed they were reviewed and any changes were recorded.

People who lived at the home had their care and support planned with them and where appropriate relatives were consulted. People told us they had been listened to about how their care would be delivered.

Staff had been recruited safely, appropriately trained and supported by the management team. They had skills, knowledge and experience required to support people with their care and social needs.

The registered manager ensured sufficient staffing levels were in place to provide support people required. We observed during the day of the inspection visit staff had time to sit and talk with people in their care and organise activities to keep them entertained and occupied.

People who lived at Stella Matutina told us they had choices of meals and there were always alternatives. In addition people also said the meals were of a good quantity and quality. We confirmed this by our observations at lunchtime. Comments were positive about the quality of food and included, “There’s a brilliant pastry chef.” Also, “Meals are lovely.”

People who lived at the home had access to healthcare professionals and their healthcare needs were met. We saw the management team had responded promptly when people had experienced health problems.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

The service had information with regards to support from external advocates should this be required by people they cared for.

There was a complaints procedure which was made available to people on their admission to the home and their relatives. No complaints had been received since the previous inspection. The process to complain was in a document in the reception area of the home. People we spoke with told us they were happy and had no complaints.

The registered manager used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. These included regular audits and relative surveys to seek their views about the service provided.