We undertook this unannounced comprehensive inspection on 25 October 2017. This was the first inspection of St Katherine Care Home since it was registered with a new provider, Bitterne Care Homes Ltd.

St Katherine Care Home is registered as a “care home”. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and we looked at both during this inspection.

St Katherine Care Home accommodates up to 20 older people who may also be living with dementia. It is located in a residential area of Southampton, close to the provider’s other home, St Catherine Care Home. At the time of this inspection there were 16 people living at the home.

The provider had a single registered manager responsible for both homes. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are “registered persons”. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The provider had processes in place to protect people from risks to their safety and welfare, including the risks of avoidable harm and abuse. Staffing levels were sufficient to support people safely. Recruitment checks were in place to make sure the provider only employed workers who were suitable to work in a care setting. There were suitable arrangements to store medicines safely and administer them safely and in accordance with people’s preferences.

Staff received appropriate training and supervision to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge to support people according to their needs. The provider put into practice the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain their health and welfare. People were supported to access healthcare services, such as GPs and specialist nurses.

Care workers had developed caring relationships with people they supported. People were encouraged to take part in decisions about their care and support and their views were listened to. Staff respected people’s independence, privacy, and dignity.

Care and support were based on assessments and plans which took into account people’s abilities, needs and preferences. People were able to take part in leisure activities of their choosing. People were kept aware of the provider’s complaints procedure, but there had been few formal complaints.

The home had a homely, welcoming atmosphere. Systems were in place to make sure the service was managed efficiently and to monitor and assess the quality of service provided.