Positive Step

Updated 26 May 2021

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place

This inspection took place on 17 May 2021 and was announced. The service was invited to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 26 May 2021

About the service

Positive Step, is an adult social care assessment unit, which is registered to accommodate up to 35 people. The service takes referrals from an integrated discharge team at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. The service offers short term accommodation for people who require a comprehensive assessment and works towards building people’s confidence and skills to enable them to return home, or to a more suitable placement. They contribute to the discharge pathway to reduce hospital stays and prevent delayed discharge from acute hospital beds. Their purpose is to reduce or delay admissions to long term care, and to prevent re-admissions to hospital by facilitating a safe discharge with the appropriate support within the individual’s home and community.

The single storey purpose built home is split into three smaller areas, known as Hatfield, Cadeby and Hickleton units, each of which has separate adapted facilities. Access into and around the home is level providing equal access for people who mobilise using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People told us they were happy with the service provided at Positive Step. The resources available were focussed on assessment and re-enablement, to help people to achieve as much independence as possible. We received some very positive feedback from people, who told us they would recommend the service to others who found themselves in the same position.

There was a very strong focus on promoting people’s independence, choice and control, People's care and support very clearly focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to regain skills and maintain independence.

There was a person centred, caring and responsive ethos. People told us how they were treated with kindness and respect. We saw there was a positive atmosphere and engaging interaction during our visit.

People were safeguarded from the risks of abuse. Risks associated with people’s care were assessed and monitored and people and relatives told us people were safe while staying at the home. People’s medicines were safely managed.

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

There were enough staff to meet the needs of each person. Recruitment continued to be undertaken in a safe way. Staff were skilled, motivated and knowledgeable. They had received appropriate training and support and were encouraged to develop their individual skills. People received a balanced diet which met their individual needs and took into consideration their preferences.

Staff told us they felt supported and they could raise any concerns with the registered manager and felt they were listened to. People told us they were aware of how to complain if needed. Staff knew people’s needs and were passionate about promoting people’s independence. People were respected and valued as individuals; and empowered as partners in their care.

Systems of governance were in place to continually monitor the quality of the service. Feedback about the leadership and management was very positive and staff felt very well supported. Staff were professional and motivated to achieve the best outcomes for people. People were fully involved in their care and had opportunities to give feedback, which was used to further improve the service.

Rating at last inspection:

The service was rated good at the last inspection (published January 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk