Mountain Ash

Updated 14 November 2020

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

This inspection took place 22 October 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 14 November 2020

About the service

Mountain Ash is a residential care home providing personal care for up to ten people. It is housed in an adapted building providing residential care on one floor for people who have complex learning disabilities and care needs, including diabetes and epilepsy. All areas of the home have wheelchair access. Mountain Ash is located in a residential area.

The service has been adapted in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

The service was larger than most domestic style properties. It was registered for the support of up to ten people and ten people were using the service at the time of the inspection. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the converted building fitted well into the residential area and was surrounded by other residential single story buildings.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

Risks to people’s health and safety had been identified and actions were in place to ensure risk was minimised. Staff were aware of the actions to take if they thought anyone was at risk of harm or discrimination. Concerns identified had been reported to appropriate external professionals. A complaints procedure was in place and although there were no current complaints staff were aware of the process to follow if any issues were raised.

Incidents and accidents were well managed and recorded, with actions in place to prevent issues reoccurring. Learning from events had been used to improve ongoing care provision. Medicine procedures and systems were robust with staff receiving specialised medicines training to enable them to meet people’s needs safely. Suitable systems were in place to prevent and control infection.

Staffing numbers were assessed dependant on people’s needs. Staff told us staffing numbers were appropriate to meet people’s needs. Care and support were delivered in line with current legislation and evidence based guidance. Regular reviews were completed and people were encouraged to make choices and decisions regarding all aspects of their care and daily lives.

Staff had access to appropriate training and support to ensure they could meet people’s complex needs. New staff completed a full induction which including shadowing experienced staff and observing care. All staff had access to regular one to one support by senior staff and development plans for future learning.

People’s needs and choices were well documented and understood by staff. It was evident that there was a close relationship between people and staff. People and their relatives were involved in the planning of care and any changes to the way care and support was delivered. People’s care was tailored to the individual considering their personal preferences. People’s communication needs were identified and recorded in care plans with specific communication aids made available for people.

Care and support was delivered in line with current legislation and evidence-based guidance with regular reviews being completed. A consistent staffing group meant staff knew people well and understood their needs and preferences. People were encouraged to continue hobbies and interests that were important to them and supported to maintain relationships with friends and family. Peoples end of life wishes had been discussed and documented, this included religious, cultural and spiritual preferences.

People were supported to have a varied and nutritious diet. Wesaw people being offered a variety of food and drink choices. People were able to be involved with meal and drink preparation. People’s health was monitored, and referrals made to other agencies if any issues were noted. Specific guidance in place regarding people’s nutritional needs were being followed.

The building had been adapted to ensure people using wheelchairs had access to the home and gardens. People’s rooms were decorated in a style of their choice. There was a sensory room and hydro therapy pool which people used on a regular basis. We were told both had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

The registered manager and staff placed emphasis on person centred high quality care. There was an open culture which was inclusive and valued people and their individuality. Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities. The emphasis at Mountain Ash was that it was people’s home first and foremost. The registered manager worked with staff each day to provide people with a good quality of care. Regular checks and audits were carried out to ensure the quality and safety of care being provided was maintained.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Good (published 15 December 2016)

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.