The unannounced inspection took place on 22 February 2017. This was the first inspection for this service under the new provider.

The Respite House is registered to provide short respite breaks for up to six adults with mental health needs. At the time of the inspection there were three people using the service and another person expected later in the day. The home provides a service for people, sometimes in crisis where hospital admission is neither appropriate nor necessary. The home is situated in the Breightmet area of Bolton with shops and local amenities close by. Public transport is easily accessible.

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.

The building was secure and safety checks were regularly undertaken to ensure people’s safety.

There was an appropriate safeguarding policy and procedure in place and we saw that a new protocol had been put in place as a response to an incident. This showed that the service were open to reviewing and improving processes when required. Staff were aware of the procedures.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet the needs of the people who used the service. The rotas were flexible and extra staff could be put in if the need arose.

Recruitment was robust and induction for new staff was thorough. Training was on-going for staff throughout their employment. Staff supervisions were undertaken on a regular basis.

Appropriate health and safety measures were in place. Medicines systems were effective and helped ensure medicines were stored and administered safely.

The premises were in need of updating and a refurbishment was planned for the near future. There was a downstairs bedroom and toilet, but the rest of the building was not easily accessible for people with limited mobility.

There was a choice of food for people who used the service. Food and drink was available at all times, some meals were prepared for people and assistance was given with meal preparation to anyone who required it.

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

We observed staff interacting with people who used the service in a friendly and caring manner. People were fully involved in decisions about their support and care.

Information given to people who used the service was comprehensive. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible and supported to reach their potential.

Care plans included a range of health and personal information and were person-centred. People’s preferences and wishes were recorded and responded to by the service.

Feedback was encouraged in a number of ways, such as the ‘going home questionnaire’, suggestions box, complaints procedure and informal chats. There were no complaints but the service had received a number of compliments in the form of thank you cards.

People told us staff were approachable and staff said they were well supported. Team meetings, supervisions and handovers took place regularly to help ensure staff were supported in their work.

There were a number of audits and checks carried out. These were analysed and issues identified were addressed appropriately.