Archived: Pennhaven

Updated 6 February 2016

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.

This inspection took place on 7 December 2015 and was unannounced. It was carried out by one inspector. Before the inspection we reviewed the information we held about the service. This included previous inspection reports, statutory notifications (issues providers are legally required to notify us about) other data and enquiries. We looked at the information in the Provider Information Return (PIR) completed by the registered manager prior to the inspection. This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. At the last inspection on 23 October 2013 the service was meeting essential standards of quality and safety and no concerns were identified.

During the inspection we spoke with three people using the service, four members of staff, the registered manager and three external health professionals. We reviewed three care plans and other records relevant to the running of the home. This included four staff recruitment and training records, medication records, accident and incident files and feedback questionnaires.

Following the inspection we telephoned two people’s relatives to gain their views on the care and support provided by the service.

Updated 6 February 2016

This inspection took place on 8 December 2015 and was unannounced.

Pennhaven provides accommodation with personal care for up to 8 people with mental illness. The home is situated within walking distance of Exeter city centre. On the day of the inspection there were 8 people living there.

The service had a registered manager. 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.

The home supported people recovering from mental illness. Staff worked with them to increase their confidence and independence, with a view to moving into the community where appropriate. They worked collaboratively with external health professionals to meet people’s needs.

Regular supervision and relevant training gave staff the necessary skills and knowledge. They knew people well, and had a good understanding of their needs. This meant they were able to manage risks to people, while supporting them to make choices and feel in control.

Detailed risk assessments contained clear information about how to recognise when people were at risk, and what action staff should take. Staff worked openly and honestly with people, ensuring they were fully involved in identifying and agreeing the goals in their care plans, and in agreement with any plans to keep them safe. They encouraged people to make positive, informed choices, at the same time acting to keep them safe when their behaviour put them at risk of harm. They treated people with dignity and ensured that their confidentiality was respected.

People were supported to manage their own medicines as part of their transition towards independence. Systems were in place to ensure that their medicines were managed safely.

People lived independently with support available as they needed it. They chose how and where they wanted to spend their time, and were encouraged to engage in activities which were geared towards increasing confidence and building links with the community. They were encouraged to contribute to the running of the home by participating in a cleaning rota and cooking for everyone once a fortnight. One person told us, “The best thing is the meal in the evening. It’s a proper meal every day. It makes it feel more like the real world”.

The provider and registered manager were proactive in working to improve the quality of care provided. The registered manager participated in a number of forums for exchanging information and ideas and fostering best practice. She ensured this information was shared with staff, and supported them in their professional development.

Quality monitoring systems were in place, and effective in identifying areas for improvement. People at the home and staff were encouraged to express their views, enabling the service to provide care which met their individual needs and was of a high standard.