This comprehensive inspection took place on 07 March 2017 and was unannounced. Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court is a 50 bed service for older people and people who may be living with dementia. The service is split into two units. The main house has 30 beds and the dementia unit (Mauchline) has 20 beds. On the day of our inspection there were 44 people in total using the service, 25 people in the main house and 19 on the dementia care unit. The manager confirmed there were six vacancies overall.

There was a manager in post at the time of the inspection. 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. On the day of our inspection the service was being managed by two shift leaders (one on each unit), who were being supported by four members of staff on each unit. The manager, who was not on duty on the day of inspection arrived to support the team and was present throughout the inspection.

Staff knew how to protect people from the risks of abuse. They had received training and knew who to contact if they had any suspicions people were at risk of abuse. Robust recruitment procedures were in place. These helped minimise the risks of employing staff who were unsuitable to work with vulnerable people.

People's needs were met by ensuring there were sufficient staff on duty. People, visitors and staff told us they felt there were enough staff available to meet people's needs. During the inspection we saw people's needs being met in a timely way and call bells were answered quickly.

Risks to people's health and welfare were well managed. Risks in relation to nutrition, falls, pressure area care and moving and transferring were assessed and plans put in place to minimise the risks. For example, pressure relieving equipment was used when needed. Risk assessments were updated following any accidents or incidents, the incidents were then routinely analysed to look for patterns.

People's medicines were stored and managed safely. Medication policies and procedures were in place and senior staff had the skills to safely administer medicines

People's human rights were upheld because staff displayed a good understanding of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Discussions with the registered manager indicated that where necessary people's capacity to make decisions had been assessed and decisions taken in their best interests.

Staff confirmed they received sufficient training to ensure they provided people with effective care and support. There was a comprehensive staff training programme in place and a system that indicated when updates were needed. Training included caring for people living with dementia, first aid and moving and transferring.

People were supported to maintain a healthy balanced diet and people told us there was a good choice of food. People were supported to maintain good health and had received regular visits from healthcare professionals.

People received personalised care and support that reflected their individual needs and requirements. Care plans provided detailed guidance for staff on how to meet people's individual needs, and included information about what was important to them. People were supported to pursue interests and spend time doing things they found enjoyable. There were regular activities available for people to participate in. People spoke positively about the service and care provided. People's needs were met by kind and caring staff. People's privacy and dignity was respected and all personal care was provided in private.

People's care plans contained all the information staff needed to be able to care for the person in the manner they wishe