19 November 2019
During a routine inspection
St Helens care home is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to 36 people at the time of the inspection. St Helens care home accommodates up to 40 people in one adapted building.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Some people and their relatives told us they would like to see more activities taking place in the home. People told us they were happy with the care and support they received.
People were not always safe from the risk of harm or infection. Some areas of the home were not clean and mal odour was present. The kitchen was not clean and some equipment was unclean and cross infection risks were observed. Some equipment used by people who used the service was not always maintained not fit for purpose. The conservatory area of the home was unsafe as it reached unsafe cold temperatures.
Audits and monitoring systems were not always effective at managing the service and making the improvements required. Health and safety checks were in place however, they failed to address the infection control issues found on inspection. Where environmental concerns had been raised by the registered manager with the provider they were not always responded to.
The registered manager and provider responded immediately to the concerns and issues raised during our inspection and took action to either clean or replace items highlighted.
People were supported to have enough to eat and drink. However, feedback regarding the food was mixed. Support was provided in a way which put people and their preferences first. Information was provided for people in the correct format for them. However, menu boards were damaged and in need of replacement.
We received mixed feedback from people and relatives regarding the range of activities available to people in the home to protect them from social isolation and keep them engaged. We made a recommendation that activities are reviewed with people and the home research engaging options.
People had care plans in place and these were written in a person-centred way. People also had a ‘my journal’ booklet with life history, likes and dislikes information within. Medicines were managed well, administered and recorded accurately keeping people safe. People who received ‘as and when required’ medicines had clear instructions in place.
People were supported by enough staff were recruited safely. People and staff spoke positively about the registered manager. Staff received support and a variety of appropriate training to meet people’s needs.
Individualised risk assessments were in place. Staff were confident to raise concerns appropriately to safeguard people.
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. Appropriate healthcare professionals were included in people’s care and support, as and when this was needed.
There were systems in place for communicating with staff, people and their relatives to ensure they were fully informed via team meetings and communications. People had good links to the local community through regular access to local services.
People were supported to be independent were they could, their rights were respected and access to advocacy was available.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 16 June 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Enforcement
We have identified breaches at this inspection in relation to the safety and cleanliness of the premises, infection control, and oversight from management.
Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
Follow up
We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.