We carried out a review of the data available to us about Oakwood House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Oakwood House, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Safe arrangements were in place for all visitors to the home. These involved visitors to the home showing evidence of a negative rapid flow device (LFD) test and temperature checks. People were fully supported to maintaining contact with families and loved ones. The service was following the latest government guidance in relation to visiting.
The management team at Oakwood House clearly put the needs of the people living at the home first to help ensure care provided was focused on their individual needs. All decisions made, were done so with full consideration given to people’s emotional and psychological wellbeing and in their best interests.
Due to the complex needs of the people living at the service it is difficult to ensure social distancing and isolation is maintained, as required. During the recent COVID-19 outbreak the service users were cohorted within their rooms and one of the communal areas which had been zoned as much as possible to people with or without COVID-19.
Staff had access to enough supplies of PPE including facemasks, gloves and aprons and PPE stations were accessible throughout the home.
Staff completed IPC training and were observed to be wearing the correct PPE and following best practice. The premises and equipment were visibly clean and regular cleaning schedules and audits were completed to monitor the IPC standards within the home.
A programme of routine testing was in place for all people using the service and staff.
There was an up to date infection prevention and control (IPC) policy. Staff were regularly updated with any changes to government guidance and procedures to follow so they could keep themselves, people and visitors safe.
Oakwood House provides personal care and support for younger adults with a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. The home is a converted, detached period home with a ground and first floor with stair access. Each person has their own bedroom with shared bathroom facilities. There is a communal lounge, kitchen/dining area, conservatory and sensory room for people to enjoy. There was a large, mature secure garden to the rear of the property and a driveway and grassed area to the front of the home. At the time of our inspection there were 3 people living at Oakwood House.
There was a registered manager 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.
Incidents, accidents and safeguarding investigations were dealt with fully by the registered manager.
People were protected from potential abuse and avoidable harm by staff who knew them well and had completed the required safeguarding training to keep people safe. Staff gave good examples of how they would report any concerns and knew about the provider whistleblowing policy.
The provider followed safe recruitment practices which ensured that staff employed by the service had passed the relevant checks and referencing required ensuring they were suitable to work with people living at the home.
New staff completed a thorough induction programme and were provided with ongoing support from the management team. There was enough staff employed to keep people safe.
Medicines were stored, administered and disposed of appropriately and medication audits were undertaken by the registered manager. Medicine administration records (MAR) were kept up-to-date.
Staff gave good examples of seeking consent when providing personal care and support and had a good knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how to apply this in everyday practice. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications had been completed appropriately.
Individualised risk assessments were in place to identify and provide mitigation for staff in managing any risks associated with people’s health and well-being.
The provider supported staff with regular supervision and annual appraisal.
Staff were up- to-date with mandatory training enabling them to carry out their roles effectively.
People were supported to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and were encouraged and supported to access external health care professionals when required.
People had developed a good rapport with staff who knew them well. We observed positive, caring interactions between staff and people living at Oakwood House.
People’s choice and individuality was respected and staff gave good examples of how they protected people’s dignity and privacy and encouraged their independence.
Support plans were detailed, personalised and included all the required information for staff to be able to support people in accordance with their needs and preferences.
There was a complaints procedure in place, although the service had not received any complaints since their registration.
Oakwood House was a welcoming and calm home where a culture of openness and transparency had been promoted by the registered manager and provider.
The registered manager had management systems and quality audits in place to manage the safety and quality of service provision. The manager sought feedback from staff, relatives and external health and social care professionals.
Regular staff meetings were held enabling the sharing of best practice and to encourage staff to voice any issues that they wished to discuss.