OSJCT Westgate House

Links with health and social care services were excellent and resulted in people receiving support in a timely manner. Staff at Westgate House worked effectively with the GP and Care Home Support Service's (CHSS) mental health team and as a result reduced the use of anti-psychotic medicines. Staff were highly skilled to work with people that might displayed behaviour that challenged. There was no one at the service using antipsychotic medicines. The registered manager had embraced the new oral health initiative in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. They had gone above and beyond and ensured people had good access to dental services and had their oral hygiene needs met. The service had been designed around people's needs and creative ways had been used to help people be as independent as possible. A great deal of time and effort had been spent by the management team and staff in designing and decorating the home. As a result, it provided a stimulating environment, which not only met people's specific needs but also promoted socialising.

The provider had successfully adopted the 'Dignity plus project'. This aimed at adapting the environment by improving lighting and reducing noise levels. There were different areas for people to use for their preferred activities, and private spaces to spend time with their families or visitors. Themed destinations, such as a beach had been created which gave people living with dementia an opportunity to experience different experience. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff had a particularly good understanding of when the principles of the Mental Capacity Act should be applied. People were supported to meet their nutritional needs and complimented the food at the home

People living at Westgate House told us they received safe care from skilled and knowledgeable staff. Staff knew how to identify and report any concerns. The provider had safe recruitment and selection processes in

place.

Risks to people's safety and well-being were managed through a risk management process. There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people's needs. Medicines were managed safely, and people received their medicines safely and as prescribed.

People told us staff were caring. This ethos consistency enabled people to receive good care from staff who knew them well. Staff did all they could to promote independency and we saw examples of such practices.

The home was well-led by a registered manager who was committed to improving people's quality of life and empowering staff. Significant changes had been implemented to support effective team working and improve people's outcomes. The service had a clear management and staffing structure in place and staff worked well as a team. The provider had effective quality assurance systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. Staff worked well with external social and health care professionals.