15 April 2014
During a routine inspection
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records. We also spoke with Blackpool council's contracts monitoring team and Healthwatch Blackpool who are an independent consumer champion for health and social care.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read our full report.
Is the service safe?
People told us they felt safe and their rights and dignity was respected. They told us they were receiving safe and appropriate care which was meeting their needs. Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff understood how to safeguard people they supported. The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and in how to submit one. This meant that people would be safeguarded as required. When we undertook this inspection one application had needed to be submitted. Appropriate safeguarding procedures had been followed and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) had been informed about the application.
The service was safe, clean and hygienic. Equipment had been maintained and serviced regularly ensuring people were not put at unnecessary risk. We found staffing levels were adequate with an appropriate skill mix to meet the needs of people using the service. People we spoke with told us staff were very responsive when they needed their help. One person said, 'I was quite poorly during the night on one of my previous stays and needed assistance on several occasions. The staff members on duty were brilliant with me responding to my calls for help with patience and kindness'.
Is the service effective?
There was an advocacy service available if people needed it, this meant that when required people could access additional support. People's health and care needs had been assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. Specialist dietary needs had been identified where required. People said their care plans were up to date and reflected their current needs.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. The people we spoke with were very happy with the care being provided. One person said, 'I have no complaints about my care. The staff have been smashing with me since I moved in. There is always someone around if you need them. They are very approachable and good natured'. Another person said, 'I have stayed here on a number of occasions and have always been happy with my care. The staff know me very well and are patient and kind when supporting me. I always look forward to coming back and have no issues with anything'. Care plans had been maintained recording the care and support people were receiving. Good care practices were observed and people told us they were happy with the support they were receiving.
Is the service responsive?
People spoken with said they were happy with their care and had no complaints. They told us there was always adequate numbers of staff on duty and they were available when needed. Records showed admissions to the home were well planned. Information about people's care and dietary needs had been recorded. We also saw potential risks to people's health and welfare had been identified. Guidance had been provided for staff to ensure they provided safe and appropriate care.
Is the service well-led?
The service had quality assurance systems in place. Records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuously improving. Staff had a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities. People we spoke with said they received a good quality service at all times.