Murach House

Updated 11 September 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 18 July 2018. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of our inspection in order for staff to be able to prepare people at Murach House for our visit and to check people would be in. The inspection was carried out by two inspectors.

Prior to this inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service, including data about safeguarding and statutory notifications. Statutory notifications are information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. This enabled us to ensure we were addressing potential areas of concern at the inspection. The provider had completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). The PIR is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

As people present during our inspection were unable to fully share their views of the service we observed the care they received and spoke with two relatives. We also spoke to the registered manager, a representative from the provider and four members of staff.

We reviewed a range of documents about people’s care and how the home was managed. We looked at three care plans, medicines administration records, risk assessments, accident and incident records, complaints records, three staff files and internal audits.

Updated 11 September 2018

The inspection took place on 18 July 2018 and was announced. This was the first inspection of Murach House since it registered with CQC in August 2017.

Murach House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Murach House accommodates up to six people. At the time of our inspection there were six people living at the service. Murach House has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. Registering the Right Support CQC policy

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were protected from the risk of harm as systems were in place to keep them safe. Risk assessments and positive behaviour support plans were completed. These gave staff detailed guidance on the support people required to remain safe. Accidents and incidents were monitored and reviews included looking at what could have been done differently to aid staff learning. Staff had a clear understanding of how to safeguard people and knew what steps they should take if they suspected abuse. Health and safety and infection control procedures were monitored closely and equipment had been serviced where required. A contingency plan was in place to ensure people would continue to receive their care in the event of an emergency.

Medicines were managed well and records showed that people received their medicines in accordance with their prescriptions. People were supported to maintain good health and had regular access to a range of healthcare professionals. People were able to choose what they wanted to eat and drink and healthy options were promoted by staff. People's legal rights were protected as staff acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Where required, independent mental capacity advocates were involved to support people.

Sufficient numbers of skilled staff were deployed to support people both when spending time at home or going out. Staff worked flexibly to meet people’s needs and understood the importance of consistency. Prior to starting work at the service recruitment checks were completed to help ensure only suitable staff were employed. Staff received specialist training to support them in their roles and regular staff supervision was provided to monitor staff well-being and performance.

Prior to moving into the service, a detailed assessment process was followed. Information was gathered from a number of sources in order to determine if the service could meet the person’s needs. A transition period had been planned for each person to ensure their move to Murach House was as smooth as possible. Care plans were developed from information gained during the assessment and transition period and continued to develop as people settled into their new home. People were supported to develop their independence and gain new skills. Individual activity programmes were designed with people and took into account their likes, dislikes and preferences.

People were supported by staff who showed kindness and care. People's dignity and privacy was respected by staff and people were able to choose how and where they spent their time. Staff had a good understanding of people's communication needs and supported people to make decisions about their care. People were supported to maintain relationships with those who were important to them.

Relatives and staff told us the service was well-led and that the management team were approachable. There was a positive culture throughout the service and staff understood the ethos of the provider in providing person-centred care. Regular audits were completed to monitor the quality of the service provided. Action was taken to address any concerns identified. There was a complaints policy in place and any concerns had been addressed promptly. Records were organised and securely stored.