St Mary's Care Home in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, has been barred from admitting people with a learning disability and autistic people after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found it falling short of regulatory standards.
The CQC confirmed that conditions were placed on SUSAH Middlesbrough Ltd on 24 March 2026 for failing to meet regulations related to good governance and consent at the home. The conditions stop the home admitting people with a learning disability and autistic people and require managers to send regular progress reports to the CQC.
Inspection findings
The inspection, carried out between February 4 and March 10, rated the home as 'requires improvement' across the safe, effective and well-led categories, while it was rated 'good' for caring and responsive provision. The report highlighted a 'serious incident where a person left the home unsupervised overnight' and noted that training was 'not at the required level for all staff' regarding the support of people with a learning disability and autistic people.
The nursing home, which caters for adults of all ages with learning and physical disabilities, as well as older people and those living with dementia, was inspected 'because of the rating and breach of legal regulation found at our previous visit'. The breaches concerned 'the good governance and management of the service and person-centred care'.
Governance and consent breaches
At the most recent inspection, the CQC 'found a breach of legal regulation in relation to consent and a continuing breach of regulation in relation to good governance'. The report stated that the service was assessed against 'Right support, right care, right culture' guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities.
The report noted: "The environment did not yet reflect best practice for smaller, homely settings and the current size and layout remained inconsistent with 'Right support, right care, right culture' guidance. Action was being taken to address this, but it had not been embedded when we visited."
"Premises safety was not always assured and we found shortfalls in mental capacity and best interests decisions, including a serious incident where a person left the home unsupervised overnight. Governance systems had not consistently identified or addressed all concerns. Training on supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people was not yet at the required level for all staff, but action was taken to address this during the assessment."
Positive feedback from residents and families
Despite the regulatory failings, people, relatives and staff were overwhelmingly positive about the day-to-day support, describing kind and caring staff, strong relationships and a culture where the registered manager and deputy were visible and approachable. People were supported to attend college, do voluntary work and take part in a wide range of activities, including work to develop independent living skills.
People told CQC inspectors that they "generally felt happy living at the service and described warm, friendly relationships with staff". Several people said they were able to make choices about their daily routines, with one person sharing, "I love it here." Families also reported that their relatives were safe and well cared for, with one relative commenting, "They take good care of her."
Inspectors observed positive, respectful interactions throughout the visits. "Staff offered reassurance and gentle encouragement, including supporting people to make their own drinks, choose meals, and engage socially," inspectors said. "People appeared relaxed and comfortable spending time together, chatting across tables or participating in small group activities. During an evening visit, the atmosphere was sociable, with people choosing when to go to bed and some ordering a takeaway together."
Relatives also described staff as kind and approachable, saying the registered manager was accessible and responsive. One relative told inspectors: "The manager's door is always open, he's lovely." Families also felt informed about health needs, with examples of staff supporting people to attend health appointments and encouraging independence with daily living tasks where possible.
Home's response
A spokesperson for the home said: "We take the findings of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) very seriously and are committed to providing safe, high-quality, person-centred care that respects the dignity, wellbeing and individual needs of every resident."
"Our approach is centred on the principles of right support, right care and right culture. This means ensuring people receive care tailored to their individual needs, that their choices and independence are respected, and that our staff have the right guidance, training and support to deliver the highest possible standards of care."
"We recognise the importance of the concerns raised in the report and are committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement. This includes refurbishment work to improve the care home environment in line with the relevant guidelines and requirements, alongside a continued focus on strengthening our governance, practices and standards of care."
"The safety and wellbeing of our residents remain our priority. We are committed to learning from the CQC's feedback, making meaningful and lasting improvements, and ensuring our service reflects the principles of right support, right care and right culture."
