St Nicholas Care Home

Updated 11 July 2024

Date of Assessment: 12 February to 10 March 2025. The service is registered to provide personal and nursing care for a maximum of 176 people. 62 people were currently living at the service including older people, people living with dementia, autistic people and people with a learning disability. We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We undertook this assessment following concerns about poor care. At our last inspection the service was rated inadequate, with multiple breaches of regulations. At this assessment, we found people did receive safe care and there were several sustained improvements. The service was no longer in breach of any regulations. Extensive refurbishment had been undertaken, and the environment was much more homely. Improvements were ongoing. Care plans were detailed and person centred. There was an improved understanding how to effectively support people with a learning disability and autistic people. People were supported to make informed decisions about their care and had ample opportunities to engage in activities and learning opportunities both at home and in their local community. Systems had improved to ensure there was learning from events which occurred at the service. The provider demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement though improved governance systems. People received their medicines as prescribed and were supported to attend medical appointments when needed. This service has been in Special Measures since 18 October 2023. The provider demonstrated improvements that have been made. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures.

Updated 11 July 2024

We spoke with a range of people who used the service and, where appropriate family members. People felt safe living at St Nicholas Care Home and said they would speak with staff or the management team if they had any concerns. People generally liked the staff who were described as kind and caring, however, some frustration was expressed about an ongoing turnover of staff which meant the provider was reliant on using some agency staff to maintain safe staffing levels. Some staff told us there were plenty of staff on duty, but others told us there were sometimes delays in staff responding to their requests for care. Our observations showed staff were caring, attentive and respectful. Staff engaged well with people and sought consent before assisting them with their care. staff encouraged people to make decisions and be as independent as they were able to be. People told us the service was clean and did not raise any concerns about infection control. People’s family and friends were free to visit when they wished. Some people felt improvements were needed with the quality of the food available. Other people said it was nice and there was plenty of choice. A new chef had been recently appointed and was working with people to develop the food offer at the service.