We carried out a review of the data available to us about St Andrews 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 Andrews, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
On arrival we were asked to sanitise our hands, sign in, have our temperature taken and asked if we had symptoms of, or been in contact with anyone who had symptoms of, COVID-19. We were also asked to show our vaccination record and evidence of a lateral flow device test taken that day. Face masks were available at the door should they be needed and visitors were only admitted to the service after following these procedures.
Shared spaces in the service had been arranged to facilitate social distancing to encourage people to participate fully in the life of the service without compromising safety.
The provider had implemented risk assessments in relation to visits for people. These were reviewed and updated following any change in government guidance. This meant people were supported promptly to adapt their visits with their family members as guidance changed.
Staff were supported by the provider to work flexibly which supported staff and their wellbeing. For example, staff were supported to accommodate changes to shift times to accommodate childcare requirements. This meant the provider maximised staff availability which supported them to maintain safe staffing levels.
The registered manager had introduced smaller team meetings across multiple shifts to ensure information was shared with staff effectively whilst managing risks. They told us how this had resulted in an increased participation from staff and had a positive impact on the service. They planned to continue holding team meetings in this way.
St Andrews is a care home accommodating up to five adults with learning disabilities and or mental health needs. There were four people living at the home at the time of inspection.
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 safe. Staff understood their role and responsibilities to keep people safe from harm. Risks were assessed and plans put in place to keep people safe. There were enough staff to safely provide care and support to people.
Medicines were well managed. Emergency systems had been put in place to keep people safe.
People had also been assisted to move to more independent living by the service. We were provided with evidence of incidents where people had been cared for in a supportive and flexible manner.
Information was provided in a way that made it easier for people to understand. Staff took time to reword things when people didn't initially understand. We saw that some important information, for example care documents, were produced in plain English and made use of images to support people's understanding. Not sure you have referenced this clearly in the main domain.
We saw that where possible people had choice and control over their lives and that staff responded to them expressing choice in a positive and supportive manner.
Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when required. People’s healthcare needs were met and staff worked with health and social care professionals to access relevant services. The service was compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
People received a service that was caring. They were cared for and supported by staff who knew them extremely well. Staff treated people with dignity and respect. People’s views were actively sought and they were involved in making decisions about their care and support. Information was provided in ways that was easy to understand. People were supported to maintain relationships with family and friends.
The service was responsive to people’s needs. People received person centred care and support. People were encouraged to participate in employment and leisure activities. People were encouraged to make their views known and the service responded by making changes.
Complaints were dealt with appropriately.
People benefitted from a service that was well led. The registered manager had an open, honest and transparent management style. There were systems in place to check on the quality of service people received and any shortfalls identified were acted upon.