We carried out a review of the data available to us about St Katherine Care Home on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about St Katherine Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
People had been supported to keep in touch with their families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff provided support where necessary so people could phone or video call their families. Visitors were able to come to the service and they used a designated outside area at the front of the house. The expectations and procedures for visitors to the service were clear.
The service was receiving professional visitors to the home with robust infection control procedures in place. Visitors were received into the reception area on arrival where they were provided with guidance, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health screening was completed. Each visitor also had their temperature
checked by staff on arrival.
The registered manager ensured they were up to date with the latest guidance and practice for infection prevention and control. They had developed policies and procedures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance and information for staff was clear with detailed safe systems of work for the home. Daily checks and regular infection prevention and control audits were in place.
Significant building and improvement work was underway at St Katherine's. The provider had cleaning schedules which were followed. However, on the day of inspection we noted some areas which were not clean and dust was seen in some flat surfaces.
Mechanisms in place to support staff, risk assessments had been completed with people who used the service and who were identified as facing higher risks. However, we found no risks assessments had been undertaken for staff who may be at additional risk. Following the inspection, the provider submitted evidence to confirm risk assessments for Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) staff and others who faced an increased risk, had been implemented. The manager was positive about the commitment staff had shown throughout the pandemic.
Staff were regularly tested for COVID-19 and had received COVID-19 vaccinations in January 2021. Staff expressing a hesitancy in taking the COVID 19 vaccine were well supported in their decision-making.
People were supported in a person-centred way, when implementing the changes and procedures required to minimise the risk of COVID 19 in the home. We heard of examples of how people had been supported with real compassion and understanding when they had become distressed during this time. We saw evidence of how people who liked to be outside and walking were supported to continue this activity safely, at this time.
St Katherine Care Home is registered as 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 we looked at both during this inspection.
St Katherine Care Home accommodates up to 20 older people who may also be living with dementia. It is located in a residential area of Southampton, close to the provider’s other home, St Catherine Care Home. At the time of this inspection there were 16 people living at the home.
The provider had a single registered manager responsible for both homes. 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.
The provider had processes in place to protect people from risks to their safety and welfare, including the risks of avoidable harm and abuse. Staffing levels were sufficient to support people safely. Recruitment checks were in place to make sure the provider only employed workers who were suitable to work in a care setting. There were suitable arrangements to store medicines safely and administer them safely and in accordance with people’s preferences.
Staff received appropriate training and supervision to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge to support people according to their needs. The provider put into practice the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain their health and welfare. People were supported to access healthcare services, such as GPs and specialist nurses.
Care workers had developed caring relationships with people they supported. People were encouraged to take part in decisions about their care and support and their views were listened to. Staff respected people’s independence, privacy, and dignity.
Care and support were based on assessments and plans which took into account people’s abilities, needs and preferences. People were able to take part in leisure activities of their choosing. People were kept aware of the provider’s complaints procedure, but there had been few formal complaints.
The home had a homely, welcoming atmosphere. Systems were in place to make sure the service was managed efficiently and to monitor and assess the quality of service provided.