Archived: Thicketford Place

Updated 9 November 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection took place on 9 October 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection was undertaken by one adult social care inspector.

Prior to our inspection we contacted the local authority commissioning team and the safeguarding team. This helped us to gain a balanced view of what people experienced accessing the service. We received no negative comments or concerns.

We looked at notifications received by CQC. We had received a provider information return form (PIR). This form asks the provider to give us some key information about what the service does well and what improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection we spoke with the registered manager and two members of care staff. People who used the service were unable to speak with us, but we observed their body language and staff interactions with them. We spoke with two relatives of people using the service and contacted three health and social care professionals. All the feedback we received was extremely positive.

We looked at all four support plans, three staff personnel records, training records, health and safety records, audits and meeting minutes.

Updated 9 November 2018

The inspection took place on 9 October 2018 and was unannounced. The previous inspection took place on 16 March 2016 when the service was rated good in all domains and good overall.

Thicketford Place is a small care home, providing support for up to six adults with learning and physical disabilities. The provider is a charity organisation, The Cornerstone Trust who set up the home in 1993. A group of trustees oversee its running, with the day to day management carried out by the registered manager. The home is on a main road, in a busy residential area in Bolton. There is good access to local buses and there are nearby shops and other local amenities.

Thicketford Place 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 care home can accommodate six people in one adapted building. At the time of the inspection there were four people living at the home. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. Registering the Right Support CQC policy

There was a registered manager at the service. 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.

Safeguarding and whistle blowing policies were in place and staff demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding issues. They were confident to report any concerns or poor practice they may witness.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet the needs of the people who used the service and staff recruitment was robust. There were general and individual risk assessments, which were reviewed and updated as required.

Health and safety measures were in place within the home. Accidents and incidents were recorded and addressed appropriately. Robust medicines systems were in place to help ensure safety in this area.

The assessment process for new people to the service was thorough and detailed to help ensure needs could be met. All care files were comprehensive and included relevant, up to date information.

There was a thorough induction for new staff and an on-going training programme. Staff had regular quarterly supervision meetings and appraisals were undertaken annually.

The kitchen was clean, tidy and well-ordered and food safety guidelines were followed. People’s dietary requirements were adhered to. The premises were clean and tidy and the building was accessible for people with restricted mobility.

The service was working within the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Communication between staff and people who used the service was friendly, respectful and compassionate. People’s dignity and privacy were respected. Various methods were used to communicate effectively with people.

People were supported to express their preference for particular care staff and were supported to access advocates if required. Staff were aware of confidentiality and data protection issues.

Care plans were person-centred, and people were encouraged to make choices and pursue their preferred interests and pastimes. The service provided support for a number of activities and interests that the people who used the service wished to engage in.

Reviews of care were undertaken, and people were supported to be as involved as possible. The complaints policy was prominently displayed on the notice board but there had been no recent complaints.

The registered manager was supported by a finance and administration manager as well as a team of Trustees. There were monthly meetings held where the participants discussed the service and the needs of people who used the service and staff.

Policies and procedures were reviewed annually, and updates and changes made as required. The registered manager regularly checked staff competence and there were a number of audits and quality checks in place at the service.

The service had links to the wider community to help ensure people who lived in the home had a wider support network. There was evidence of excellent partnership working with other agencies and professionals.