Archived: Prospect Mount Road

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Prospect Mount Road is in Scarborough and provides personal care and accommodation for up to 39 people. The service is divided into four units; the Homeward unit providing rehabilitation for up to six weeks before people return home or move to another service, Willow a dementia care unit, a respite unit that accommodates people whose carers require a break and a day unit. During the inspection only the respite unit and Willow were in use. Any people who were at the service for rehabilitation were accommodated in the respite unit and all the staff from the homeward unit had been redeployed to the respite unit. There were 13 people using the respite unit and eight people in Willow unit on the day of our inspection. The service is one of thirty services run by North Yorkshire County Council.

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 felt safe at the service. Staff had been trained in safeguarding of adults and knew what to do if they had any concerns and how to report any incidents. We saw that one person had a safeguarding plan in place whilst an alleged incident was investigated and this was being followed by staff.

Assessments identified areas where people’s health and safety may be at risk and these were acted upon. Medicines were managed safely. Accidents and incidents were managed appropriately by the service and reviewed regularly by the care services manager.

The premises were well maintained. Checks of services and equipment had been completed. The building had been adapted as far as possible to accommodate people’s needs. Where people were living with dementia adaptations to the environment had been made to assist people in way finding.

Recruitment was robust with all relevant checks completed by the registered provider before people started work. Staff numbers were sufficient to meet the needs of people who used the service and staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs.

Staff had been trained in areas which supported their role. Where further training was due it had been planned with dates booked. Staff were supported through supervision and annual appraisals.

People’s communication needs were clearly identified in care records. Information was shared at regular staff, resident and managers meetings.

The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

People had a choice of what to eat and drink. Specific needs relating to nutrition were identified. Fluids were available to people throughout the day.

Staff were caring and compassionate and their approach was kind and friendly. They involved people in their care and gave them information and support where appropriate. People were treated with dignity.

Advocacy services were available if people needed them. One person had an independent mental capacity advocate supporting them.

Care plans reflected individuals needs clearly. They were reviewed regularly.

People took part in a variety of activities of their choice.

Complaints had been dealt with in line with the registered provider’s policy and procedure.

Where necessary the registered manager had made notifications to CQC. They worked together with other agencies to promote people’s health and wellbeing.

There was an effective quality assurance system in place which identified areas for improvement.

People we spoke with said that they received the care and support they wanted to receive. One person said 'The care and assistance given is very good. I am involved with all aspects of it.' This helped to ensure that people's needs were being met.

We saw that there were policies and procedures in place to help to protect people from abuse. Staff received safeguarding training and they were aware of the action they must take if they suspected abuse may be occurring. This helped to protect people.

During our visit we saw that staff received training to develop their skills. Regular supervision and appraisal were in place to ensure that all the staff were supported. Staff we spoke with confirmed that training was ongoing, relevant to their role and was provided in a timely way. A member of staff said 'There is plenty of training on offer. We have to keep our training up to date.' This ensured that people were looked after by skilled staff.

The quality of the service being provided was being monitored by the manager. Any issues found were acted upon. We saw that there were systems in place to deal with any complaints. This ensured that people remained happy with the service that they received.

People we spoke with told us they were satisfied with the care and support they received. One person said 'Staff know what help I need.'

People confirmed that they felt the home was clean and hygienic. We also saw that the medication systems in place were robust. This ensured people's health and wellbeing was being protected.

We found that staff received training in a variety of subjects to help keep their skills up to date. Staff confirmed regular supervisions and appraisals were carried out. People told us they felt the staff were skilled and were good at their jobs. One person said 'Staff know what they are doing. They are efficient and knowledgeable.'

People told us that their views about the service they were receiving were asked for. One person said 'The manager and staff talk with me and get my views.'