This unannounced inspection took place on 30 October 2017. This was the first inspection of this service under the current provider.

St Mary’s House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

St Mary’s House accommodates 28 people in one adapted building. It is a care home for older people some living with dementia.

A registered manager was 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.

Staff knew how to respond to possible abuse and how to reduce risks to people. Risks to people from receiving care and support were appropriately assessed and managed. There were enough staff to meet people’s assessed care and support needs. Staff had been recruited properly to make sure they were suitable to work in this environment. Medicines were stored and administered safely.

People were cared for by staff that had received the appropriate training and had the skills and support to carry out their roles. Staff members understood and complied with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People received a choice of meals, which they liked, and staff supported them to eat and drink enough. Where necessary people’s food and fluid intake and weight was monitored.

Staff were caring and kind and treated people and each other with respect. People were listened to and were involved in their care and what they did on a day to day basis. People's right to privacy was maintained by the actions and care given by staff members.

People's personal and health care needs were met and care records guided staff in how to do this. Activities in the service were limited. The management team were aware of this and were recruiting an activities co-ordinator to help make improvements. We have made a recommendation about activities for people living with dementia.

Complaints were investigated and responded to and people knew who to speak with if they had concerns.

Staff worked well together and felt supported by the management team. The monitoring process looked at systems throughout the home, identified issues and staff took the appropriate action to resolve these. The registered manager and provider were clear about how they were going to ensure the service continued to improve.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.