St Andrews

Updated 9 April 2022

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 15 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 9 April 2022

This inspection took place on 10 August 2017 and was unannounced.

St Andrews is a care home accommodating up to five adults with learning disabilities and or mental health needs. There were four people living at the home at the time of inspection.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were safe. Staff understood their role and responsibilities to keep people safe from harm. Risks were assessed and plans put in place to keep people safe. There were enough staff to safely provide care and support to people.

Medicines were well managed. Emergency systems had been put in place to keep people safe.

People had also been assisted to move to more independent living by the service. We were provided with evidence of incidents where people had been cared for in a supportive and flexible manner.

Information was provided in a way that made it easier for people to understand. Staff took time to reword things when people didn't initially understand. We saw that some important information, for example care documents, were produced in plain English and made use of images to support people's understanding. Not sure you have referenced this clearly in the main domain.

We saw that where possible people had choice and control over their lives and that staff responded to them expressing choice in a positive and supportive manner.

Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when required. People’s healthcare needs were met and staff worked with health and social care professionals to access relevant services. The service was compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People received a service that was caring. They were cared for and supported by staff who knew them extremely well. Staff treated people with dignity and respect. People’s views were actively sought and they were involved in making decisions about their care and support. Information was provided in ways that was easy to understand. People were supported to maintain relationships with family and friends.

The service was responsive to people’s needs. People received person centred care and support. People were encouraged to participate in employment and leisure activities. People were encouraged to make their views known and the service responded by making changes.

Complaints were dealt with appropriately.

People benefitted from a service that was well led. The registered manager had an open, honest and transparent management style. There were systems in place to check on the quality of service people received and any shortfalls identified were acted upon.