Our inspection of Ghyllside took place on 4 October 2018 and was announced. This was the first inspection of the service since the provider changed in October 2016.

Ghyllside is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Ghyllside accommodates up to four people who may have mental health needs and no longer require hospital based care, in one adapted building. On the day of our inspection there were two people living at the home.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

Staff were being recruited safely. There were enough staff to take care of people and to keep the home clean. Staff were receiving appropriate training and they told us the training was good and relevant to their role. Staff were supported by the registered manager and were receiving formal supervision where they could discuss their ongoing development needs.

People who used the service told us staff were helpful, attentive and caring. We saw people were treated with respect and compassion.

Care plans were up to date and detailed what care and support people wanted and needed. Risk assessments were in place and showed what action had been taken to mitigate any risks associated with people’s care People felt safe at the home and the registered manager told us appropriate referrals would be made to the safeguarding team if necessary to protect people from harm.

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’s healthcare needs were being met and medicines were being stored and managed safely.

Staff supported people with dietary needs and preferences. People told us there was a good choice of meals and said the food was very good. There were plenty of drinks and snacks available for people between meals.

Activities were on offer to keep people occupied both on a group and individual basis. People told us visitors were made to feel welcome and could have a meal at the home if they wished.

The home was spacious, well decorated, clean and tidy. All bedrooms were single occupancy with en-suite toilets and showers.

The complaints procedure was displayed. Records showed no formal complaints had been received but the registered manager told us any complaints would be dealt with appropriately.

Everyone spoke highly of the registered manager who they said was approachable and supportive. The provider had effective systems in place to monitor the quality of care provided and where issues were identified action had been taken to make improvements.

There were appropriate governance systems in place to ensure quality of care was monitored and improved. The service engaged positively with people using the service and people felt they were listened to and their contributions were valued.