The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Gwyn Dower

Higher Pengegon, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 7TZ (01726) 291000

Provided and run by:
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

All Inspections

23 September and 7 October 2011

During a routine inspection

Gwyn Dowr provides a short break service to children/ young adults with a learning disability who have challenging behaviour. The children that use the service have limited or no verbal communication and therefore we were unable to gain their views on the service.

We did observe the children with care staff and saw that the children appeared relaxed and comfortable in their presence. We saw care staff that were attentive to their needs.

We spoke to parents who told us that they are satisfied with the service. They told us that they would be 'lost without their support', they found the service to be 'valuable' and 'I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have them.' The parents we spoke with all said that their child enjoyed their time at Gwyn Dowr and that they looked forward to their stays there. Parents felt that the staff knew their childs likes/dislikes. We were told that the children enjoy the activities provided.

Parents could not identify how the facilities or the service could be improved. The only area that raised concern was when respite placements are cancelled at short notice, usually due to staffing problems, as this has caused disruption for the child and parents. However parents stated that they could appreciate that if there are staffing issues then the placement had to be cancelled. They also commented that if possible staff try to rebook the respite stay to a alternative date and this was received positively.