St Mary's Care Home

Updated 9 December 2024

Date of assessment: 11 February to 18 February 2025. St Mary’s Care Home is a care home providing accommodation and nursing care to a maximum of 56 older people. At the time of our visit, 46 people were using the service. At our last inspection, we identified breaches of legal regulation in relation to person-centred care and good governance. At this inspection, improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations. Further improvements were needed to infection prevention control practices in bathrooms regarding clinical waste, which were discussed with the provider and were being addressed. Since the last inspection, the registered manager had introduced improvements to the service, including to activities to ensure people received person-centred care. An enthusiastic activities person had been recruited and a varied programme of entertainment, activities and outings was now taking place. The environment was better maintained, some bathrooms had been refurbished and lighting in areas improved. Further areas of improvement in these areas, identified at inspection, including to ensure people’s safety, were addressed immediately. Improvements had been made to records including staff recruitment and medicines records to ensure people received safe care. Care records were in place to ensure staff had guidance to meet people’s needs in a person-centred way. We advised more regular evaluation of all care plans. Risks to people had been assessed and care plans were in place to help mitigate risks as far as possible. Accidents and incidents were investigated thoroughly The service provided rehabilitation to people discharged from hospital, to help prepare them to return home. There were sufficient trained staff who worked with other professionals to ensure people's needs were met in a safe and timely way. Staff were attentive and treated people with kindness and compassion. Governance was more robust.

Updated 9 December 2024

People and relatives were positive about the service. A relative told us, “When the manager took over things improved, it is now more uplifting in here, it has a nice atmosphere.” All were complimentary about the care provided by staff. Their comments included, “It has helped me immensely being here, I came out of the hospital, I am now able to do more things”, “I’ve been here for 4 weeks, it is wonderful. The staff have become great friends, they are exceptional”, “Staff are very polite and friendly”, “We could not ask for more, [Name] feels like part of the family, they are nearly back to their normal self” and “Staff are amazing, nothing is too much trouble.” People told us they felt safe, staff knew them well and they felt confident to raise any concerns. Comments included, “I cannot fault the carers, they are always there” and “I feel safe and comfortable.” There were enough competent staff to meet people’s needs safely. A person told us, “There is always the buzzer to summon a carer, day or night. Staff come immediately.” Improvements had been made to activities and entertainment to support people’s health and well-being. People and relatives were appreciative of the improvements. Their comments included, “The activities organiser is a 5-star employee, she keeps their [people]’s brains busy”, “Last week they went to the pub down the road, in the minibus”, “They offered armchair exercises today” and “There have been a few birthdays recently, there was a wonderful singer last time, from the cruise ships.” People received a varied diet. People and relative’s comments included, “They are always eating in here, there are snacks, biscuits and cakes, in summer it is scones, cream and jam” and “The food, is well presented and home-made. I had a birthday party here and the buffet was very good. I am impressed, the food is important in any home.”People told us they were listened to and supported to make choices.