Pennings View

Updated 6 December 2019

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

This inspection was completed by one inspector.

Service and service type

Pennings View 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.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This was an unannounced inspection.

What we did before the inspection

The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

We reviewed information we had received about the service. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as abuse; and we sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service.

During the inspection

We spoke with three people who used the service. We met with the registered manager, team leader and four support workers. We spoke to the regional manager via telephone during the inspection.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including health and safety and quality audits.

We walked around the home and observed care practice and interactions between support staff and people. We sat in on part of a monthly staff meeting.

After the inspection

We looked at training data and policies.

Updated 6 December 2019

About the service

Pennings View is a residential care home providing personal care to people with learning disabilities and/or autism. The service can support up to seven people. At the time of the inspection four people were living at the home.

The service has been developed and designed 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 and/or autism 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.

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

Quality monitoring systems were not robust enough to demonstrate safety was effectively managed. This placed people at risk of harm.

Health and safety actions were not always completed in a timely manner. There had been a recorded fault with fire doors not closing since June 2019. There were two radiators in the hallway which were missing covers. There was an old sofa and two wooden pallets left out in the people’s garden area. These all posed potential risks to people.

Systems were not in place for reviewing and analysing accidents and incidents. Medicines were not always managed safely. Checks were not carried out to ensure medicines were stored in safe conditions.

The home was decorated in a way which people felt was homely. However, each door in the home had a ‘fire door keep closed’ sign on them which did not support this homely feel. The registered manager and team leader told us that staff appraisals were overdue. Staff last received appraisals in September 2018.

People told us they were happy and felt safe. Individual risk had been identified and measures put in place to keep people safe. For example, for epilepsy, mobility and access to the community. Mental capacity assessments and best interest paperwork was in place for areas such as personal care, medicines and finance. Consent for care and treatment had been sought from people. Where people were not able to give consent assessments and meetings had been held to ensure care was delivered in their best interests.

Staff were well trained and skilled. They worked with people to overcome challenges and promote their independence. The emphasis of support was towards inclusion and enabling people to learn essential life skills. Equality, Diversity and Human Rights were promoted and understood by staff.

Staff were described as caring, kind and friendly and the atmosphere of the home as relaxed and engaging.

People received pre-admission assessments and effective person-centred support. The service was responsive to people’s current and changing needs. Regular reviews took place which ensured people were at the centre of their support.

Care plans were personalised and updated in response to people’s changing needs. Staff listened to what people wanted and acted quickly to support them. Staff looked to offer people solutions to aid their independence and develop their skills.

Local leadership was visible and promoted good teamwork. People, professionals and staff spoke highly about the management at Pennings View and staff had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The registered manager, team leader and staff team worked together in a positive way to support people to achieve their own goals and to be safe.

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.

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 4 May 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Enforcement

We have identified a breach in relation to quality monitoring systems at Pennings View.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.