Northgate House

We have made a recommendation about the completion of some checks.

Safeguarding systems were in place and were embedded across the service. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding and people told us they felt safe. People's independence and freedom were respected. Sufficient, suitable and trained staff were in place. Medicines were administered safely and appropriate guidance and practices were followed. People were protected by the prevention and control of infection. Lessons were learned and improvements made when things went wrong; these were shared with staff.

People's needs and choices were assessed and regular reviews took place. Staff were appropriately trained and well-supported through induction, shadowing and competency checks. People received enough to eat and drink and were supported to maintain a balanced diet. Food, fluid and people's weights were monitored. Staff worked as an effective and cohesive team. There were effective systems in place to ensure people were supported to access appropriate healthcare when they needed it. 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.

People were treated with kindness, respect and compassion, and given emotional support when needed. People were encouraged and supported to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their care. People's privacy, dignity and independence was respected and promoted.

People received personalised care which was responsive to their individual needs. People's care plans reflected their physical, mental, emotional and social needs. People's concerns and complaints were listened and responded to and used to improve the quality of care. People were supported at the end of their life to have a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death.

There was a positive culture within the home which supported high quality care. The governance framework continued to be developed, in partnership with the Local Authority's advice. Quality performance, risks and regulatory requirements were understood and managed. The home had quality engagement with people, relatives and staff. There was a culture of continuous learning and improvement, led by the registered manager. The home had good working relationships with partner organisations to develop and improve the

service.