Archived: 67 Newgate Street

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

We saw that regular safety checks were being carried out.

Is the service effective?

This area is not applicable to this inspection.

Is the service caring?

This area is not applicable to this inspection but we spoke to two visitors who confirmed they were happy with the service provided to their relative. They said, "We are very happy. X has been here 17 years with no problems at all. We have every confidence in the service."

Is the service responsive?

We saw that, where appropriate, the service adapted its procedures in response to incidents or accidents.

Is the service well led?

The home had an experienced registered manager in post and quality assurance processes were in place.

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

People were cared for in an environment that was safe with minor issues to do with wear and tear and documentation. A member of the management team was on call in case of emergencies and clear evacuation procedures were in place.

Staff personnel records contained all the information required by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 but we could not be clear about some procedures for staff whose employment had transferred to this provider. CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which apply to care homes. While no applications had been submitted, information and guidance were in place.

Is the service effective?

It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. People looked well, happy and content with their accommodation and how they spent their time. We saw the provider had a clear value base, communicated this to staff and people and the manager applied these.

Is the service caring?

People told us they liked living there and how they spent their time. When we asked about this one person said,"I like my music. Look at all my CDs, I can play these yes." We saw that people moved around the home freely and were listened to by the staff who were good humoured and respectful in their interactions.

Is the service responsive?

We saw the manager was renewing care files to update the model used. Care focused on what worked well for people and overcame things that might get in the way of people's independence. The guidance from outside specialists and other available information were followed to good effect. People had access to activities important to them and records confirmed people's preferences, aspirations and wishes.

Is the service well led?

The manager had a good understanding of the provider's ethos and had introduced quality assurance processes to underpin this. The staff said that they had been rather daunted at first when the new provider took over but now they felt things might be better. The manager said, "All in all I am quite impressed with these new initiatives." The staff said they had had an individual meeting with the operations manager in the early days. One staff member said, "I can see some improvements; appraisals for example, we did not get these." Some safety matters had not been followed through. We served a compliance action regarding these.