Archived: Mellieha

Updated 7 August 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 19 July 2021 and was announced.

Updated 7 August 2021

Mellieha is a care home providing personal care for up to 11 people with a learning disability and/or mental health needs. The home has increased in size since the last inspection and is now distinctly divided into two houses; the original house and a newly built house named Elmswell. There were 10 people in total living in the home at the time of the inspection. At our last inspection in 2015 we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The Registered Provider was working within the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service were supported to live as ordinary life as any citizen.

People were safely cared for because systems and processes underpinned the individual support they needed. Risks were appropriately assessed and mitigated, with each person’s full involvement where possible. People were safely and individually supported with their medicines and staff demonstrated good understanding and safe practice for this. Medicines were securely stored.

Staff understood how to safeguard people from harm, and there was a thorough system for recording and learning from accidents and incidents. Premises and equipment were regularly checked for safety.

Staff training and supervision was continuous and staff were very well supported in their role. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice People were supported to lead healthy lives and there were effective links with other professionals. People’s dietary needs were well met and understood by staff.

Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and there were good opportunities for people to be independent. There was a very friendly, supportive atmosphere and people said they felt well cared for.

Care was person centred and people’s individual needs were promoted and respected. Care records showed individual preferences and people chose their own preferred lifestyle.

The provider was very involved in people’s care and support and they knew each person well. There was clear effective leadership and teamwork, with good communication at all levels. Audits were in place and regular feedback was sought about the quality of the service. Documentation was securely filed and wherever possible, easy-read formats were produced so people were very well included and informed.

Further information is in the detailed findings below