This was an unannounced inspection carried out on 15 June 2017.

We last inspected Marquis Court in April 2016. At that inspection we found the service was in breach of its legal requirements with regard to regulations 12 and 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because people were at risk of unsafe care and treatment, records did not accurately reflect people's care and support needs and audits were not effective. At this inspection we found that sufficient action had been taken in all the required areas to make sure the relevant legal requirements were met.

Marquis Court is registered to provide accommodation for personal and nursing care to a maximum of 47 older people, including people who live with dementia or a dementia related condition. Nursing care is not provided. There were currently 46 people living at the service.

A registered manager was 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.

People and staff told us they felt safe and there were enough staff on duty to provide safe and individual care to people. People were protected as staff had received training about safeguarding and knew how to respond to any allegation of abuse. When new staff were appointed, thorough vetting checks were carried out to make sure they were suitable to work with vulnerable people who needed care and support.

The necessary checks were carried out to ensure the building was safe and fit for purpose.

Risk assessments were in place and they identified current risks to the person. Records were in place that reflected people's care and support requirements and they were regularly reviewed to ensure they remained accurate. Staff knew the people they were supporting well. Care was provided with kindness and people's privacy and dignity were respected.

People had access to health care professionals to make sure they received appropriate care and treatment. Staff followed advice given by professionals to make sure people received the care they needed. People received their medicines in a safe and timely way.

Appropriate training was provided and staff were supervised and supported. Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and best interest decision making, when people were unable to make decisions themselves. People were able to make choices, where they were able about aspects of their daily lives. People received a varied and balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs.

Activities and entertainment were available for people. A complaints procedure was available. People told us they would feel confident to speak to staff about any concerns if they needed to.

People had the opportunity to give their views about the service. There was regular consultation with people and/ or family members and their views were used to improve the service.

The provider undertook a range of audits to check on the quality of care provided. Staff and people who used the service said the registered manager was supportive and approachable.

Communication was effective, ensuring people, their relatives and other relevant agencies were kept up to date about any changes in people's care and support needs and the running of the service.

This inspection took place on 4 and 7 April 2016 and was unannounced. This was Marquis Court’s first inspection under their new registration

Marquis Court is a purpose built care home without nursing which can accommodate 47 people. The home is a two storey building offering single bedrooms with en suite facilities. There are 23 bedrooms on the ground floor for people with general needs and 24 bedrooms on the first floor for people living with dementia.

At the time of the inspection there were 47 people resident at Marquis Court.

A registered manager was registered with the Care Quality Commission at the time of the inspection. They had been the registered manager prior to the new registration in July 2015 and were well established.

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.

Care plans and risk assessments were in place however they lacked detail. Care plans did not always specify how to care and support people with specific needs such as moving and handling. Risk assessments did not clearly identify the risk or how it should be managed, for example there was no information in relation to choking risks for people with specific requirements around their food.

There were no personal emergency evacuation plans to support staff to safely evacuate people in the event of a fire, nor was there any equipment to enable people with mobility needs who resided on the first floor to evacuate.

An electrical installation condition report completed in January 2015 had assessed the premises as unsatisfactory. The owner told us the work was being completed next month.

Quality assurance systems were in place but they were not effective in assessing and improving the quality of the service provided.

Safeguarding, accidents and incidents were all recorded appropriately, with actions taken and lessons learnt. Mental capacity was understood and where relevant, applications for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were completed.

Recruitment practices were safe and there were enough staff to meet people’s needs with contingencies in place to cover unexpected staff absence. Staff had the necessary training to ensure they could meet people’s needs and they said they were well supported.

Medicines were managed safely, although the dates creams were opened were not always recorded and temperature checks of the medicine room and fridge were not recorded. This was actioned straight away.

People told us the food was lovely and there was plenty of choice. People were supported at meal times and the chef understood people’s dietary requirements.

Activities were plentiful and varied, ranging from arts and crafts and singing to discussions about current affairs and asteroid deflection. The activities coordinator was passionate about their role and told us the people living at Marquis Court were their boss and they did whatever they asked them to.

Staff approach was kind, caring and compassionate. Staff knew people well and we observed warm and tender relationships with people.

You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of the report.