The Manse

People's experience of using this service and what we found. People received their medicines as prescribed. However, some of the systems and processes used at the service, regarding the management of medicines, were not always effective in ensuring medicines were accurately recorded. The medicines audit was not effective. We were given assurances by the registered manager that this would be addressed.

The recruitment processes used at the service did not always ensure past employment dates were accurately recorded. We were given assurances by the registered manager that this would be addressed.

We toured the premises and found the service to be clean and decorated to a good standard. There were no malodours.

The provider had effective safeguarding systems in place and staff knew what actions to take to help ensure people were protected from harm or abuse.

The Manse was fully staffed. There were enough staff to meet people's needs and ensure their safety. Staff were happy and many had worked at The Manse for many years.

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 worked within the principles of the MCA and sought people's consent before providing personal care and assistance. Guidance in care plans guided staff to help build independence wherever possible.

Identified risks were assessed and monitored. Care plans contained guidance and direction for staff on how to meet people's needs. However, where some people's needs had changed this information was not always reflected in the care plans in a timely manner.

Food looked appetising and there were staff available to support people where needed.

The registered manager, deputy manager and the provider had oversight of the service. There was an audit programme to help identify any areas of the service that may require improvement. However, the medicines audit had not identified the concerns found at this inspection.

People, staff and relatives were asked for their views and experiences by the manager and the provider. Staff meetings were held to share information and seek their views. Relatives told us, "We are so pleased with The Manse. We are very happy", "We have no complaints, and we visit regularly" and "The manager and staff are warm, they always let us know when things change. It is a lovely home like environment."

The registered manager understood their responsibilities under the duty of candour. Relatives were kept informed of any changes in people's needs or incidents that occurred.

The registered manager and staff worked closely with local health and social care professionals to meet people's needs.

For more information, please read the detailed findings section of this report. If you are reading this as a separate summary, the full report can be found on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk