27 March 2019
During a routine inspection
Holme Lea is a purpose built, two-storey building in its own grounds. It offers accommodation for up to 48 older people in single bedrooms, many of which have en-suite facilities. At the time of the inspection 44 people were living at the service.
The building is situated in a residential area of Stalybridge and is close to a main road offering public transport links and views across the foothills of the Pennines. Car parking is shared with the adjacent home, Stamford Court. The home is run by Meridian Healthcare Limited which operates several other care homes mainly in the North West of England.
People’s experience of using this service:
The service had an open and supportive culture. Systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of care delivered. There was evidence of improvement and learning from any actions identified.
There were sufficient numbers of trained staff to support people safely. Recruitment processes were robust and helped to ensure staff were appropriate to work with vulnerable people.
People’s needs were thoroughly assessed before starting with the service. People and their relatives, where appropriate, had been involved in the care planning process.
Staff were competent and had the skills and knowledge to enable them to support people safely and effectively. Staff received the training and support they needed to carry out their roles effectively. Staff received regular supervisions and annual appraisals were planned.
Staff had awareness of safeguarding and knew how to raise concerns. Steps were taken to minimise risk where possible.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff supported people to access other healthcare professionals when required. Staff supported people to manage their medicines safely.
People’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.
Staff worked with other agencies to provide consistent, effective and timely care. We saw evidence that the staff and management worked with other organisations to meet people’s assessed needs.
We observed positive interactions between staff and people. Staff had good relationships with people and were seen to be caring and respectful towards people and their wishes.
People were supported to express their views. People we spoke with told us they had choices and were involved in making day to day decisions.
The provider and registered manager followed governance systems which provided effective oversight and monitoring of the service.
The premises were homely and well maintained. We observed a relaxed atmosphere throughout the home.
The service met the characteristics of Good in all areas.
Rating at last inspection:
At the last inspection of the service (published 04 April 2018) the home was rated Requires Improvement overall and there was one breach of regulations in relation to good governance. At this inspection the overall rating has improved to Good.
Why we inspected:
This was a planned inspection based on previous the rating. Prior to the inspection we were notified about a serious incident in which a person using the service died. We looked at risks associated with this. Further information is in the full report.
Follow up:
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk