St Vincents House

Updated 26 February 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

We received information of concern about infection control and prevention measures at this service. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 2 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 26 February 2021

About the service

St Vincent’s House is a care home which provides personal care and nursing care to up to 91 older people and people living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 82 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service

People told us they were treated well and with respect by staff. People’s likes and life story work was documented and people interacted with positively with pet birds, dolls and toy animals.

Staffing levels had increased following our last inspection. People told us that sometimes they had less positive experiences with agency staff, and the provider was working to reduce their usage. There was a new electronic system which helped the service to manage medicines safely. Risks to people were assessed and managed effectively. The service reviewed incidents and accidents to learn from these.

Staff received the right training and supervision to carry out their roles. There were new kitchen facilities, a new catering team and menu. People received the right support to eat and drink well. People had access to appetising meal options and well-presented specialist options. People received appropriate input from health services and support to maintain oral health. People 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.

There were measures in place to ensure a safe environment. Aspects of the service were adapted to meet the needs of people with dementia but in some areas this could improve;, for example using more high contrast materials. We have made a recommendation about this. The overall environment was more homely and relaxed.

People and their families were involved in planning and reviewing their care. This included supporting people to make plans for the end of their lives. People were encouraged to take part in the activities programme.

The provider and registered manager had a clear vision on how to improve the service and there had been substantial investment in new facilities and activities. The service worked with people and their families and the local authorities to deliver an effective improvement plan. A family member told us “A lot of changes were made, I have been more contented than I have ever been.”

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 requires improvement (published 20 December 2018).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.