The Care Quality Commission
  • Mental Health
  • Independent mental health service

Archived: Shear Meadow

London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 2RJ (01442) 864484

Provided and run by:
Cygnet Learning Disabilities Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

29 October 2013

During a routine inspection

On the day of our visit, there were four people living at Shear Meadow. The service provided a "step-down" service for people who were preparing to move to more independent living in a community or supported living setting. We observed that people looked relaxed in their surroundings and noted that staff "understood" the people they were supporting and were able to communicate well with them, even though people had limited verbal communication, the staff understood what the people required and how best to support them.

People who used the service had very person centred care plans and we noted that people who used the service were able to do things at a pace that suited them. Staff were very supportive and took time to explain things in a way that promoted people’s dignity and ensured people's independence was maximised.

We looked at care plans and noted that people’s consent had been obtained where appropriate, in some cases a relative or an advocate had signed on behalf of the person who used the service. Regular risk assessments had been completed and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure people's safety was maintained.

We were shown "pictorials" of a variety of food products and this supported people in making healthy and nutritional food and drink choices.

We found that the process for assisting people with medication was appropriate and was "managed" by staff who had been recruited through a robust process and had been trained to an appropriate standard.

1 November 2012

During a routine inspection

We found that the people were cared for in an atmosphere of calmness and kindness. The staff were patient and kind and did not rush the people in any way. We saw that staff delivered care in a manner that promoted the dignity and ensured people's independence. Care plans were up to date and reflected the needs of the people. Risk assessments were carried out and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure people's safety and independence.

Most of the people did not have verbal communication skills therefore we were unable to communicate directly with them. However, we saw that the staff were skilled in non verbal communication. The staff had photographed the people engaged in various activities they enjoyed and these photographs were used to assist the person in making an informed choice about how to spend their time. They gave the people time to make their needs and wishes known.

The staff were trained to meet the physical and mental health needs of the people, we found that the qualified staff and care staff worked in collaboration to ensure people got the best care.

28, 30 November 2011

During a themed inspection looking at Learning Disability Services

There were people four people being treated at the service when we visited. We met and introduced ourselves to all of them and spoke with one person in some depth, although their communication was limited. We also spoke with the relatives of two people using the service.

Three of the people using the service did not use verbal communication, and we therefore spoke with them using staff to assist us in getting their views on the treatment and support they received.

People we spoke with indicated they were happy with the support they received and liked staying at the unit. We observed staff interacting with people that received support although noted this was on a basic level, with few additional communication skills in use.

The relatives we spoke with told us they knew of the care plans but were not very involved in the planning of support their family member received. However, both were satisfied with the overall care and treatment provided by Shear Meadow.

Although the people using the service appeared happy with the activities available, we noted these were largely group activities and all leisure related.

1, 12 April 2011

During a routine inspection

People who were able to give us their views said they liked it at Shear Meadow and the staff were good. One person said 'it's good here'.

People told us about the personal possessions they have in their rooms which are important to them.

People said they liked their meals. One person confirmed the staff were good cooks and another person looked forward to roast dinners.

People feel involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

People were able to tell us how staff support them to spend time in the community and maintain relationships with family and friends.

Mental Health Act Commissioner reports

Each year, we visit all NHS trusts and independent providers who care for people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act to monitor the care they provide and check that patients' rights are met. Immediate concerns raised by patients on those visits are discussed, if appropriate, with hospital staff.

Our Mental Health Act Commissioners may carry out a number of visits to each provider over a 12-month period, during which they talk to detained patients, staff and managers about how services are provided. In the past, we summarised themes from the visits and published an annual statement followed by the provider's response where applicable. We are looking at different ways to indicate the outcomes of our monitoring in the future.