This was an unannounced inspection which took place on 17 and 18 October 2017. Lord Harris Court is a care home with nursing which is registered to provide care for up to 90 people, some of whom may be living with dementia. There were 85 people resident in the service on the days of the inspection visits. Some people who live in the home are self-funding (pay for their own care) whilst others have financial support from the local authority. This is the first inspection of the service which was registered in October 2016 when the provider changed.

The service did not have a registered manager, at the time of the inspection visits. The provider was actively recruiting to the post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 service provided staff with training to assist them to keep people, staff and visitors to the service as safe as possible. People were protected from all types of abuse and/or poor practice by staff who knew what action to take if they had any concerns about people’s safety or treatment. Health and safety policies and procedures were followed and ensured that as far as possible people who lived in, worked in or visited the service were safe. Any risks to safety were identified and managed to minimise them.

People were provided with staff who had been recruited through reliable recruitment processes which ensured that as far as possible they were suitable to provide safe care to people. However, there were a large number of temporary staff used. People were not confident with the care provided by some temporary staff specifically those who covered night shifts. Improvements were needed to the way night care was monitored. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs safely. People were not always supported to take their medicines safely and whilst improvements had been made further improvement was needed in this area.

People were provided with effective care that respected their diversity, preferences and choices and met their needs. People were supported to make decisions and choices about their care. Staff upheld people’s legal and human rights with regard to decision making and choice.

People’s rights were protected by a management and staff team who understood the Mental Capacity Act (2005). This legislation provides a legal framework that sets out how to act to support people who do not have capacity to make a specific decision. 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 needs were met by a caring staff team who worked together in the best interests of the people they offered care to. Staff built positive relationships with people and others who were important to them. People’s individuality and differences were recognised and respected and they were treated with kindness, respect and dignity at all times. Any special needs were taken into account and people were offered the appropriate care.

People were offered a variety of well organised and meaningful activities which enhanced their lifestyle. They were encouraged to enjoy and participate in them by specialised staff.

The service was well-led by an interim manager, in the absence of a registered manager. The management team were described as open, approachable and supportive by the majority of the staff. The service had a large number of ways to monitor and assess the quality of care they offered. Any shortfalls or improvements needed were identified and acted upon.