Updated 5 November 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out by two inspectors. An expert by experience made telephone calls to people using the service and their relatives, following our visit to the care home to get their views.
An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
St Mary’s Care Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed all the information we had received about the service since our previous inspection. This included the contents of whistleblowing concerns and notifications made by the service.
We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people who used the service and seven relatives. We spoke with four members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, senior care workers and care workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included six people’s care records and multiple medication records. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.