We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Vicarage 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 The Vicarage, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The management and staff team supported people and their relatives to understand the policies and procedures surrounding protection against COVID 19, the isolation processes and how the service could help them to keep people safe.
Social media systems such as mobile phones and computer systems were used to facilitate contact between people and their relatives.
During our visit we observed the staff using Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE) safely. The registered manager told us sufficient stocks of PPE were available and we confirmed this on the visit. A staff member said, “We have plenty of PPE always available.”
People living in the home and staff were tested regularly for COVID-19. There were no staff employed who had not been vaccinated as now required.
Relatives we spoke with told us their relations were well cared for and protected from the risk of infection. One person said "We visit regularly and feel the testing and precautions in place were appropriate. We feel safe and they are keeping [Name] safe."
The Vicarage is a residential home located in Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port and provides care, support and accommodation for up to five adults with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. People living at the home are supported by staff on a 24 hour basis. At the time of our inspection there were four people living in the home; each person had their own bedroom and shared communal areas.
The Vicarage is ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. 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 registered manager was also responsible for additional services, which meant they were not always located at The Vicarage. However there was a house manager who provided additional managerial support and overview of the service.
Detailed risk assessments had been carried out for each person which provided guidance for staff in managing identified risks.Risk assessments and associated support plans were reviewed and updated regularly.
Each person living in The Vicarage had a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) that provided guidance for staff on how to safely evacuate them in an emergency.
Medications were stored and administered safely and records relating to medicine administration were completed accurately. Staff had received appropriate training to safely administer medication.
Sufficient staff were deployed to meet the needs of people living in the home; each person received care on a one to one basis which meant there were four support staff available during each day shift.
Staff had received appropriate training in relation to behaviours that challenge and physical intervention.
Accidents and incidents were recorded appropriately and showed evidence of review and analysis from the registered manager.
Staff had received training in relation to safeguarding; staff showed a good understanding of what action to take in reporting any incidents of concern.
Systems and process were in place to check that the environment was safe for the people living there.
The service operated in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005; we saw evidence that Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard applications and reviews were completed where required.
Staff were supported in their role through regular supervision and performance review meetings.
Staff had received training in areas such as manual handling, food hygiene, infection control, autism awareness, first aid and management of actual and potential aggression.
People living in The Vicarage were provided with additional support from health and social care professionals such as GP, psychiatrists, dentist and opticians.
People were supported with their nutritional needs; support plans provided guidance for staff to ensure people maintained a healthy, balanced diet.
Care records were based on individual needs and were reviewed and updated regularly. Care files contained information specific to each individual, including detailed guidance for staff about how to provide people with the right support. Records showed that staff encouraged development and independence from people living in the home.
The registered manager kept a record of complaints received. The records detailed the complaint and how it was dealt with. Complaints made were dealt with in line with the registered providers procedure.
Quality assurance audits being completed by both senior staff and the management team; audits that were completed were effective at identifying errors or issues within the service and making improvements to the service people received.