House of St Martin

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

People received effective care which met their needs and wishes.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People had their needs assessed. People told us they were fully involved in their assessment and writing and reviewing care plans. One person said, “You do the care plan with your keyworker. It’s very supportive.”

Staff had an excellent knowledge of the people who lived at the home. This enabled them to provide care and support which was very individualised to their needs and wishes. The provider used an electronic care plan system. One member of staff said, “At the touch of the screen you have all the information you need.”

People had their needs assessed and from these assessments robust and comprehensive care plans were drawn up.

People were happy with the care and support they received at the House of St Martin. One person told us, “The support has been fantastic. It has given me a new life.”

Staff received regular training which helped to make sure their practice was in accordance with up-to-date best practice guidance and legislation. One member of staff told us, “The induction and training has been really comprehensive.” Another staff member said, “The training is very good, to help build your skills. It is very focused on the clients.” The provider told us in their Provider Information Return (PIR) that some people had complained about a lack of variety of meals. In response to these concerns an additional chef trainer had been employed to discuss meals with people. This had resulted in a more diverse menu which reflected people’s needs and preferences.

The registered manager and provider kept up to date with best practice and this was disseminated to staff through training, supervision and regular meetings.

People were happy with how staff worked with other professionals to meet their needs. One person said, “I have had brilliant support from my OT [occupational therapist], He managed to stay with me for 3 years. He still keeps in touch with me. We get on really well.”

The staff worked with other professionals to ensure people were able to access services and treatment to meet their needs. A psychologist visited the home twice weekly to support people.

Other professionals felt that communication between them and the home was good. One professional commented, “They actively involve me in risk assessments and care plans, ensuring a collaborative approach to resident care.”

Senior staff held regular calls with multi-disciplinary teams to make sure appropriate referrals could be made to meet individual specific needs.

People accessed appropriate healthcare professionals to meet their individual needs. This included, GP’s, community nurses, speech and language therapists and mental health teams. One person told us how good they had found the mental health team. Another person said staff had supported them to attend regular hospital appointments.

Staff told us they helped people to learn and develop healthy lifestyles as well as supporting them with meeting their physical healthcare needs.

Care plans showed how people were encouraged and supported to live healthier lives. This included people joining walking groups and attending gyms.

People received care and support which met their needs and expectations. People were able to set goals and work towards meeting them. Outcomes for people were positive. One person told us, “If it wasn’t for this place (House of St Martin) I would certainly be back in prison.” Another person told us how the support they received had given them the confidence they needed to try new things which had enhanced their independence and wellbeing.

Staff were committed to supporting people to have good outcomes. Staff told us that changes and improvements made at the home since the last inspection had led to people having more opportunities to develop. One member of staff told us, “People are having more chances to do things. It’s had a good impact on the atmosphere in the house.” Another staff member said, “We try to help them find and explore new things, help them push boundaries and to build their confidence. It can be small steps for people.”

The provider had implemented a new system to monitor outcomes for people. This involved meeting with people individually to record what the person wanted to achieve and what had been achieved. Copies of these records showed people were meeting their goals which promoted their well-being and enhanced their quality of life.

People received support with their consent, or in their best interests if they lacked capacity to make a specific decision. People were able to make choices about their day to day lives in accordance with any restrictions placed upon them. One person told us, “I get up when I choose and do what I like really.”

Staff told us they only provided care to people with their consent. One member of staff said, “People can do what they like. Some people need encouragement, but it is always about their choice.”

The provider had a robust policy and procedure to promote good practice when supporting people who lacked capacity to make decisions about aspects of their care and support. Best interest decision meetings were held where decisions needed to be made on behalf of a person. Records showed people’s views were always sought and other relevant people were also involved. Best interests decisions had been made in respect of finances, medical procedures and the use of social media.