Santa Care

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 19 May 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: From 5 February 2025 to 12 May 2025.

This was a comprehensive assessment. We assessed the service to follow up on the concerns found at the last assessment which was conducted on 26 October 2022. The service was then rated as requires improvement. At this assessment the rating for the service has improved to good.

Santa Care Home is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to four adults with a learning disability and/or mental health needs.

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to good governance, person centred care and safe care and treatment. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

An assessment has been undertaken of a specialist service that is registered for use by autistic people or people with a learning disability. At the time of this assessment, the location did not provide care or support for anyone with a learning disability or an autistic person. However, we assessed the care provision under Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture, as it is registered as a specialist service for this population group.

Staff knew how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns, and policies clearly outlined what action to take if someone was at risk. Medicines were managed safely, with weekly audits of stock, expiry dates and fridge temperatures. Safety systems such as fire alarms, extinguisher checks, and gas and electrical testing were up to date, and all relevant documentation was available. Staffing levels were appropriate, and training records confirmed ongoing safeguarding and emergency response training.

Care planning was centred around people’s changing needs. Care plans were regularly reviewed, and staff responded quickly to people’s health changes. Decisions were made in people’s best interests when they lacked the mental capacity to make decisions. People’s nutritional needs were supported with personalised dietary planning and food preferences were respected. Staff worked with health professionals and arranged medical appointments. Supervision and appraisals were held regularly with the aim to support staff to develop their skills and confidence.

People were treated with warmth and respect. Staff upheld people’s dignity and privacy and supported them to make choices about their daily routines. The managers and staff promoted an inclusive, welcoming environment and was attentive to people’s cultural and personal preferences.

The staff approach was person-centred and flexible. People were encouraged to give feedback, and changes were made in response to suggestions. Care plans were personalised and tailored to individual routines, preferences, and goals. Adjustments were made for mobility and dietary needs. People were supported to do things they were interested in and for their emotional wellbeing. People had access to appropriate end-of-life planning where relevant.

The manager was approachable and demonstrated oversight of quality assurance systems, including medicine audits, health and safety checks, and quarterly service reviews. Supervision and training were used to support staff wellbeing and personal development. The leadership promoted equity, inclusion and open communication. Staff feel valued and empowered to suggest improvements and question poor practice.

However, during this assessment, several issues were identified. The bathroom and laundry room needed a deep clean, and cleaning records were out of date. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) items, such as cleaning products, were not securely stored. The laundry room had clutter on the floor which was a trip hazard. . Some food in the fridge lacked proper “use by” or “date opened” labels. Care plans and risk assessments needed updates. We also found that a medicine was being stored incorrectly.

After the assessment, these issues were addressed.