Archived: Mere Hall View

Updated 20 December 2019

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Mere Hall View 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.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small, and we wanted the registered manager to be able to assist with the inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent to us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send to us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make This information helps support our inspections. We use all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We reviewed a range of records. This included two guests care records and medication records. We received information from the human resource team from Bolton local authority confirming that all staff had been safely recruited and had an enhanced check form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). A DBS check informs the provider of any criminal convictions against the applicant. We looked at staff supervisions and staff training. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

We spoke with the registered manager and four staff. No guests were available to speak with us, all had gone out to their regular day centres and activities. We received positive feedback from families whose relatives had stayed at the service.

Updated 20 December 2019

About the service

Mere Hall View is a service for people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities. The service offers short-term breaks for up to seven guests. At the time of the inspection four guests were staying at the home.

For this report people staying at the service are referred to as guests.

The home is a two-storey building with bedrooms on both floors. The service does not have a passenger lift therefore, guests occupying bedrooms on the first floor must be independently mobile.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Guests using this service were regular visitors to the home. Families can book throughout the year to enable carers to have a holiday or break. During their stay guests continued their regular routines, for example attending day centres. Families arranged transport to and from the day centres before guests checked in.

Systems were in place to help keep guests safe and staff had appropriate training. Health and safety checks and required certificates were in place and were valid.

Staff were recruited safely, and staffing levels were sufficient to meet guests needs. There was an ongoing training programme. Specialist training was provided when needed.

Care files were comprehensive and were reviewed and updated prior to guests arriving at the service. Guests personal care and oral hygiene needs were recorded.

Guests were involved in selecting the menus during their stay. Staff offered a nutritional and well-balanced diet and any special dietary needs were catered for.

The environment was safe, clean and well maintained. All bedrooms were single occupancy with bathing and toilet facilities in close proximity. Guests had access to a communal lounge and dining area.

Staff were trained in equality and diversity. Staff confirmed that guests privacy and dignity was always respected.

A range of activities were available at within the home. Most guests had televisions in their rooms.

Systems were in place for receiving and responding to complaints or concerns. Following a guests stay a follow-up feedback telephone call is made to families to check if guests had enjoyed their stay.

The registered manager and staff team were dedicated to providing care and support of a high standard to ensure that guests had a pleasurable stay at Mere Hall View.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 15 March 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.