The inspection took place on 15 March 2017 and was unannounced. This service has been taken over by a new provider so this was their first inspection with the new registration.

Mere Hall View is a provision for people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities. It provides a short-term break service for up to seven people. The building is close to Bolton town centre. Bus routes and local amenities are within easy reach.

There was a registered manager in place. 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 premises were safe, clean and clutter fee and appropriate health and safety measures were in place. Generic risk assessments had been completed.

Staffing levels on the day of the inspection were sufficient to meet the needs of the current occupants of the home. We saw that staffing levels were flexible and were organised in response to the needs of the people using the service at any time. The recruitment programme was robust and helped ensure people employed were suitable to work with vulnerable people.

Appropriate policies, procedures and guidance were in place with regard to safeguarding and whistle blowing. Staff we spoke with demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding issues and protocols.

There were safe medicines systems at the service. The service had policies and protocols around infection control.

The induction programme was thorough and there was an on-going programme of training for staff, which was comprehensive and included all relevant courses. Staff supervisions were carried out regularly for all staff at the service.

The premises required some refurbishment and repair. Plans were in place to undertake this work over the next 12 months.

There was evidence within the care plans of good partnership working with other agencies. Referrals were made appropriately and advice followed by staff to ensure the best outcome for people who used the service.

The service was working within the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications were made.

People we spoke with told us the staff were kind and caring. We saw respectful interactions between staff and people who used the service throughout the day.

We saw that people were treated with dignity and respect and their opinions and views were listened to. Independence and autonomy was encouraged.

Appropriate information was given out to people who used the service and their families. We saw that information was produced in pictorial form to make it more accessible to people.

Care records included a range of health and personal information. They evidenced that people’s likes, dislikes, preferences and choices were taken into consideration.

People were encouraged and supported to pursue their hobbies, interests and social interactions. Staff offered individual support where needed to ensure people enjoyed their stay.

There was an appropriate complaints procedure and this was included in the information given to people. There had been no recent complaints and the service had received a number of compliments.

Feedback from people who used the service was positive about accessibility and support from staff at the home. Staff told us the management and other team members were supportive with them.

Supervisions, training and team meetings helped ensure staff were well supported

A number of audits and checks were carried out at the service. The results were analysed to ensure continual improvement to the service.