St Edwards Close

Updated 15 April 2022

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 how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 23 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the provider 48 hours notice of our inspection.

Updated 15 April 2022

About the service:

St Edwards Close is a residential care home for 12 people with autism. The service consists of two houses, the Willows and Conifers and can accommodate six people in each. In each house, there are single bedrooms and people have shared use of a lounge, activity room, kitchen and bathroom facilities. There is an enclosed garden and courtyard for people to access. There were 11 people using the service at the time of our inspection.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and / or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

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

Relatives told us they thought their family members were safe living at St Edwards Close and that staff were kind to them.

Staff received training to do with safeguarding adults and the provider followed clear safeguarding procedures that helped to protect people from harm.

Risks to people, including those associated with their healthcare needs, were assessed and plans were in place to reduce them.

Whistleblowing procedures were in place and displayed on notice boards for all to see. Staff told us they were confident any concerns they reported would be dealt with appropriately.

Effective infection control procedures were in place and staff received training with food hygiene.

There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs and safe recruitment practices were in place.

People’s medicines were stored, administered, recorded and audited appropriately. The provider had appropriate policies and procedures in place to support people safely with their medicines as prescribed.

Comprehensive needs assessments were carried out and there was sufficient detail and personalisation in the care plan to ensure the person's needs were met in a personalised way.

The manager ensured staff completed training to ensure they were able to meet people’s needs effectively. Support was provided appropriately for staff with regards to their professional roles.

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.

Records showed people were supported to have their health needs met, with access to health professionals as required.

Relatives of people told us their relationships with the staff team was good. They said their privacy and dignity was respected. They also said they were able to express their views and preferences and staff responded appropriately.

There were systems in place to ensure concerns and complaints were responded to in an appropriate way.

Comprehensive quality assurance processes were in place that monitored a wide scope of practice and procedure by staff, identified shortfalls and drove improvements. The provider worked collaboratively with other agencies and organisations to meet people’s needs.

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

Rating at the last inspection

At the last inspection the service was rated Requires Improvement (published 18 February 2019).

The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection in line with our inspection schedule. We found the service met the characteristics of a "Good" rating in all areas.

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.