CQC gives a Doncaster care home an upgraded rating of outstanding

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of Harry Priestley House in Thorne, Doncaster, from good to outstanding following an inspection in May and June.

Harry Priestley House, run by The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company is a care home that provides personal care and support to autistic people and adults with learning disabilities. There were 12 people living in the service at the time of inspection.

The inspection was carried out as part of CQC’s continual checks on the safety and quality of adult social care services.

Following the inspection, CQC has rated the service as outstanding for being caring and well-led, and good for being safe, effective, and responsive.

Victoria Marsden, deputy director of adult social care in the north-central region, said: “When we inspected Harry Priestley House, we found an exceptional service where staff and leaders worked hard to provide the best possible care. Kind and caring staff understood people’s needs and went the extra mile to ensure they were happy, content and fully supported.

“People and their relatives told us they were very happy with the care describing wonderful staff who fostered great relationships with people. People knew every member of staff and were able to engage and communicate with them openly and with confidence they would be supported with kindness and compassion.

“Staff ensured people’s voices were always heard. We observed staff using sign language and people’s preferred communication styles so they were able to engage in conversation and understand their needs and requests.

“We observed people sat in the garden in the sunny weather smiling and laughing. Members of staff responded to their immediate needs around application of sunscreen, provision of drinks and sitting in the shade to ensure they were comfortable.

“Not only were people involved in their own care planning, they also contributed to the running of the home. For example, people were involved in regular meetings and discussions about menu planning, activities and how the care home was run.

“Leaders also used an external professional to support people to complete easy to read surveys about their views of the service. The outcome of these surveys was used by managers to make changes and improvements.

“Leaders and staff should be very proud of the findings in this report. It’s clear the service was committed to treating people as individuals and empowering them to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Other services should look to this report to see if there’s anything to learn from it.”

Inspectors found:

• The registered manager led the service excellently and ensured the service remained focused on high quality and effective care for people.
• Caring staff responded to people’s needs and acted to minimise any discomfort, concern or distress.
• Staff ensured people’s care plans were person-centred and clearly identified their care needs, preferences and routines.
• The service supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.
• Staff were knowledgeable and vigilant, with a clear understanding of all forms of abuse and their responsibility to report concerns.
• The home focused on continuous learning, innovation and improvement across the organisation.

The full report can be seen on CQC’s website at https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-4317418850