The Pines

Updated 21 November 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked 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. This was a comprehensive inspection.

The inspection took place on 24 October 2017 and was unannounced.

Due to the small size of the service the inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Prior to this inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service, including data about safeguarding and statutory notifications. Statutory notifications are information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. We asked the provider to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what it does well and improvements they plan to make.

As part of our inspection we spoke with one person who lived at the service and observed the care and support provided to people. We also spoke with the registered manager and three staff members. Following the inspection we spoke with two relatives.

We reviewed a range of documents about people’s care and how the home was managed. We looked at two care plans, two staff files, medication administration records, risk assessments, complaints records, policies and procedures and internal audits that had been completed.

Updated 21 November 2017

The Pines is registered to provide accommodation with personal care for up to five people with physical and learning disabilities. At the time of our visit five people lived at the service.

At out last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People were supported by sufficient, skilled staff to meet their needs and robust recruitment processes were in place to ensure only suitable staff were employed. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding people from abuse. Risks to people’s safety were identified and control measures implemented to keep people safe. People received their medicines safely and in line with prescription guidelines. Accidents and incidents were reviewed and action taken to prevent them happening again. The provider had developed a contingency plan to ensure that people’s care would continue in the event of an emergency.

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

People received support from staff who knew them well and positive relationships had developed. Staff treated people with kindness and were aware of their preferences. People’s religious and cultural needs were respected and staff demonstrated a good understanding of people’s communication styles.

The service worked closely with healthcare professionals to ensure that people’s healthcare needs were met. People had access to nutritious food of their choosing. People’s care records were person centred and completed in detail. Care plans were regularly reviewed and updated to ensure staff had up to date guidance regarding people’s care. People had access to a range of individual activities in line with their interests.

Staff received on-going training and induction to support them in their roles. Staff received regular supervision and told us they felt supported by the registered manager. Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service provided and ensure continuous development. There was a complaints policy in place and reltives told us they would feel comfortable in raising concerns. The service worked proactively with other agencies and shared best practice through their attendance at registered managers meetings.