Archived: Shernbroke Hostel

There is a registered manager at Shernbroke Hostel. 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.

We found that care was provided by a staff group in an environment, which was friendly and relaxed. Staff knew people well and positive caring relationships had been developed.

Staff had received training in regard to how to protect people using the service from abuse or harm. Staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about the types of potential abuse people may be exposed to and understood how to report any concerns. Records showed, that all staff had received the expected level of training required to ensure competence in their role.

The service had a robust recruitment process in place and we found staff had received appropriate induction, supervision, appraisal and training, which allowed them to fulfil their roles effectively.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty and staffing levels were adjusted to meet people's changing needs and wishes.

The service was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Appropriate mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions had been undertaken by the service and relevant professionals. This ensured that the decision was taken in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, DoLS and associated Codes of Practice. The Act, Safeguards and Codes of Practice are in place to protect the rights of adults by ensuring that if there is a need for restrictions on their freedom and liberty these are assessed and decided by appropriately trained professionals. Some people at the service were subject to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff had been trained and had a good understanding of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink and to maintain a healthy diet. They also had access to healthcare professionals as and when required.

Care files provided comprehensive information about people in a person-centred way. People’s personal histories had been recorded and their likes and dislikes were documented so that staff knew how people liked to be supported.

Complaints were dealt with in line with the provider’s policy and relatives told us that they could raise their opinions and discuss any issues with the registered manager or any other staff member who was on duty.

Relatives told us they were happy with the care and support their family member received and believed it was a safe environment. People had their own bedrooms, which they could personalise as they wished. Staff supported people to access the local community and take part in a range of activities of their choice.

There were effective quality assurance systems in place to make sure that any areas for improvement were identified and addressed. Management were visible in the service and regularly checked if people were happy and safe living at Shernbroke.

We spoke with several people who lived at the home. Due to their varying communication needs some of this consisted of being shown things, quick snapshot conversations and in one case a conversation in much more detail. People both demonstrated to us and told us that they were happy living at the home, they felt it was "their home", the food was "nice" and their choices were respected. They told us about their activities, such as going out to swimming, horticultural sessions and being supported to do their personal shopping. One person told us enthusiastically about their recent holiday and attending a forthcoming pop concert.

Care plans were informative and up to date. The nutritional needs of the people living at the home were appropriately assessed and records demonstrated that those nutritional needs were met. Systems for receipt, storage, administration, recording and disposal of medicines were safe, as were staff recruitment and induction processes.

We observed two people being helped to prepare and go to their daily activities. Staff treated them with respect and due care.

We saw four care plans that contained details of people's assessed needs and clear guidelines for staff on how to ensure that these needs were met. All four files were up to date.

We spoke with three staff members who told us that training and support for them was 'Very good.' They told us when they had attended training and this corresponded with the training records that we checked.

All five people told us that they felt safe and protected. Staff members questioned were able to explain safeguarding procedure that ensured people were protected.