The inspection visit at Rossendale Hall was undertaken on 16 August 2016 and was announced. We gave 48 hours’ notice of the inspection to ensure people who accessed the service, staff and visitors were available to talk with us.Rossendale Hall provides personal care assistance for people who live in specially designed units within the grounds and other areas of Macclesfield. The service supports older people and people who live with learning and physical disabilities. The office is based in a residential area of Macclesfield. At the time of our inspection there were 59 people being supported by Rossendale Hall, who employed over 165 staff and volunteers.
A registered manager was in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.
At the last inspection on 01 July 2014, we found the provider was meeting the requirements of the regulations.
During this inspection, people we spoke with said they felt secure and comfortable. The registered manager provided staff with safeguarding training to underpin their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, risk assessments were in place intended to reduce potential risks of harm or injury to people. For example, staff checked potential risks associated with malnutrition or obesity.
People told us staffing levels were ample to meet their support requirements. Records we reviewed confirmed staff received training and competency testing to underpin their skills. A recruitment policy and procedures were in place, which the management team followed to protect people from the employment of unsuitable staff.
Staff files contained evidence they received medicines training. We saw this was followed up with regular competency testing to maintain safe procedures. We observed staff administered medication carefully and explained to each person what they were for.
Staff demonstrated a good awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. A staff member told us, “We’ve had training, which helps us to understand what is the least restrictive way to help people.” Care records we reviewed evidenced people or their representatives had consented to their care.
The management team and staff understood the importance of involving people in their care planning. We found care planning was personalised and staff tailored support to each person’s requirements. People told us they had no complaints and we noted they had information to assist them if they wished to do so.
The registered manager provided training to underpin staff understanding of the principles of privacy and dignity in care with staff. We observed staff used their skills when they supported and engaged with people. For example, staff promoted meals as a social occasion in people’s flats, such as chatting with them and discussing the day ahead.
We observed the management team sought staff, people and relatives’ feedback about the quality of their care. They analysed this, fed back their findings and implemented changes to improve care. One staff member said, “The company are always looking to improve things.” The registered manager had auditing systems to assess quality assurance and maintain people’s wellbeing.