We carried out a review of the data available to us about Winchester Road on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Winchester Road, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
People were supported to understand information about the pandemic using easy read information which was prominently displayed in the service.
Staff were encouraged to review day to day routines and share ideas on how they could reduce possible routes of COVID-19 transmission. For example, the registered manager had implemented staff’s idea of creating single visitor sheet sign in pockets which included pens for visitors to keep. These replaced the visitors’ book and reduced the number of surfaces people touched.
The provider had robust policies and procedures in place to identify and support both people and staff to reduce the risks of catching COVID-19. These included measures to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus where people/and or staff were identified as clinically extremely vulnerable or required additional support.
Maintaining people’s wellbeing had been supported through the introduction and purchase of additional activities to help keep people active and engaged during the national lockdown.
We reviewed information which provided assurances that the provider understood and implemented national guidance to support safe admissions to the service such as testing schedules and isolation.
We observed the home was clean and staff completed regular cleaning activities which were recorded. The provider had a deep clean task list which outlined what cleaning activities were required and when which was overseen by the registered manager.
We observed the provider had implemented and reviewed their visiting guidelines and protocols in line with national guidance to facilitate safe visits for people and their loved ones if they wished. Where face to face visits were not possible, people were encouraged to use alternative communication such as telephone calls and online video calls to keep in contact with people who were important to them.
The provider ensured there was ample supply of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and we observed staff using this in line with national guidance. Staff had also received additional training in the appropriate use of PPE and infection and prevention and control (IPC) in relation to the pandemic.
We reviewed the homes IPC policies and procedures which were regularly updated and included appropriate reference to national guidance and publications. We also noted there was ample signposting and consideration to appropriate service specific best practice guidance for people with a learning disability and or autism to promote good quality care and risk management during the pandemic.
People and staff were supported appropriately to have access to regular testing in line with national guidelines. Staff and people were also encouraged to participate in the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Winchester Road provides accommodation and support to four people who have a learning disability and who may also live with a physical health condition. Four people were living at the service one of whom was away on the day of the inspection. People who live at Winchester Road may experience behaviours that challenge staff.
Rating at last inspection
At the last inspection, the service was rated Good.
Rating at this inspection
At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
Why the service is rated good.
People were kept safe from the risk of abuse. Risks to people had been identified and assessed and staff reflected upon incidents to reduce the likelihood of repetition for people. People’s medicines were managed safely within the service.
There were sufficient staff to provide people’s care and to support them with their activities. Staff’s suitability for their role had been assessed. Staff were appropriately supported in their role, through the provision of an induction, training and supervision.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People were supported by staff to eat and drink sufficient for their needs. People had health action plans in place that identified their healthcare needs and how these were to be met.
People enjoyed positive and caring relationships with staff. People were able to exercise choices about their care. Staff provided people’s care in a manner which also upheld their privacy and dignity.
People’s needs were thoroughly assessed prior to them being offered a placement. Their care plans were then kept under review with them and their family. Staff understood people’s individual behaviours and care was tailored to meet people’s needs. Staff encouraged people to maintain contact with their families. People were supported to be independent. People had their own activity timetable to meet their individual needs and interests.
The complaints policy was displayed for people in an accessible format. People’s feedback on the service was sought and acted upon to improve the service.
There was a registered manager in post. 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.
People and staff told us the registered manager led the service well. People’s care was provided within an open culture and based upon clear values. Processes were in place to monitor and improve the service people received.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
This inspection was carried out on 23 and 24 June 2015 and was unannounced.
Winchester Road provides accommodation and personal care for up to four people who have learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection three people were using the service.
Winchester Road has a registered manager in post. 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.
Staff had received safeguarding training. They told us they understood how to recognise the signs of abuse and knew how to report their concerns if they had any. There was a safeguarding policy in place. Relatives told us their family member felt safe and people behaved in a way which indicated they felt safe.
Risks had been appropriately identified and addressed in relation to people’s specific needs. Staff were aware of people’s individual risk assessments and knew how to mitigate the risks.
Medicines were stored safely and administered by staff who had been trained and were competent to do so. There were procedures in place to ensure the safe handling and administration of medicines.
People were asked for their consent before care or support was provided. Where people did not have the capacity to consent, the provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This meant that people’s mental capacity was assessed and decisions were made in their best interest involving relevant people. The registered manager was aware of his responsibilities under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and had made appropriate applications for people using the service. These safeguards protect the rights of people using services by ensuring that if there are any restrictions to their freedom and liberty, these have been agreed by the local authority as being required to protect the person from harm.
Relatives told us they were pleased with the service and people said they were happy. Staff understood people’s preferences and knew how to communicate with them. People behaved in a way which showed they felt supported and happy. People were supported to choose their meals. Snacks and drinks were available in between meals. Staff were kind and caring and respected people’s dignity. People’s independence was promoted wherever possible by staff.
Support plans were detailed and included a range of documents covering every aspect of a person’s care and support. The support plans were used to ensure that people received care and support in line with their needs and wishes. We saw this reflected in the support observed during the visit.
There was evidence in support plans that the provider had responded to health needs and this had led to positive outcomes for people.
The registered manager was liked and respected by people, staff and relatives. There was good morale amongst staff who worked as a team in an open and transparent culture. Staff felt respected and listened to by the registered manager. Regular staff meetings meant that staff were involved in the development of future plans. There was a positive and caring atmosphere in the home and effective and responsive planning and delivery of care and support.
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