The Aelred Wing at St Hilda's Priory

Updated 27 May 2022

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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

The inspection was completed by one inspector

Service and service type

The Aelred Wing at St Hilda's Priory is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. The Aelred Wing at St Hilda's Priory is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

Inspection activity started on 10 May 2022 and ended on 17 May 2022. We visited the service on 10 and 11 May 2022.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer

group, which gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with three Sisters who used the service about their experience of the care provided.

We spoke with six members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, nominated individual and care staff. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider. We reviewed a range of records. This included two complete care records, three staff files and records relating to the management of the service. We observed the medicines administration and management process including associated record keeping.

Following the inspection

We reviewed completed and planned staff training, supervisions and appraisals.

Updated 27 May 2022

The Aelred Wing at St Hilda's Priory is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 12 Sisters of the Chapter of the Order of the Holy Paraclete living in one adapted building. At the time of this inspection, there were seven sisters living at the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Sisters told us they felt safe. Staff had received training in safeguarding and felt confident

in reporting any concerns. Risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing had been assessed and staff understood how to help keep people safe.

Staff responded promptly and were attentive to Sister’s needs. The registered manager monitored staff deployment and ensured enough staff were always on duty. Processes in place ensured staff recruitment was appropriate with a range of preemployment checks completed.

Medicines were managed and administered safely, with regular checks completed. We were assured by the measures taken to help ensure the prevention and control of infection.

Sisters needs, and choices were recorded following assessment. Care records included up to date information which showed the Sisters involvement with their development and review. Care provided was personalised and considered their preferences and wishes.

Sisters were supported by caring, friendly staff who knew their needs well. Staff received required training and felt supported in their roles. Sister’s described care staff as knowledgeable and skilled and felt that their privacy and dignity was respected.

Sisters health needs were being met. The service worked closely with other health professionals and external agencies to support them with their health and wellbeing.

Sisters were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Prayer and worship were central to Sisters lives and required adjustments were made to ensure they were supported to maintain and actively practice their faith.

Sisters and staff spoke positively about the management of the service and their openness to feedback. The registered manager was approachable, maintained regular communication and listened to the views of others.

A range of audits and checks were completed to maintain and where required, implement any required improvements.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was good (published 24 August 2018).

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.