Ridgeway House

Updated 10 February 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 28 January 2021 and was announced.

Updated 10 February 2021

Ridgeway House is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Ridgeway House provides accommodation with personal care for up to seven people with learning disabilities and autism. At the time of our inspection seven people were living in the home.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

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.

At the last inspection, in June 2016, the service was rated overall as good, and in each of the key questions: is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

We carried out a comprehensive inspection on 20 November 2018. At this inspection, we found further developments and improvements had been made following the last inspection. We rated the key questions: is the service responsive and well-led as outstanding. We rated the key questions: is the service safe, effective and caring as good.

The service overall, has improved to outstanding.

Sufficient numbers of staff were deployed at the time of our visit. Staff performance was monitored. Staff received supervision, training and support in a variety of ways to ensure they could meet people’s needs.

Medicines were safely managed and robust checks were in place to identify and take actions when shortfalls were identified.

Staff demonstrated an excellent understanding of safeguarding and whistle-blowing and knew how to report concerns.

People were helped to exercise support and control over their lives. People were supported to consent to care and make decisions. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 had been followed.

Risk assessments and risk management plans were in place. Personal care was delivered in line with assessed needs and accurate monitoring records were maintained.

Incidents and accidents were recorded and showed that actions were taken to minimise the risk of recurrence.

People’s dietary requirements and preferences were recorded and people were provided with choices at mealtimes.

Staff were kind and caring. People were being treated with dignity and respect and people’s privacy was maintained.

Care was personalised, innovative, highly responsive and sensitive to individual needs.

A wide range of leisure and therapeutic activities were offered and provided people with stimulation, entertainment and engagement, in and out of the home.

Systems were in place for monitoring quality and safety. Where shortfalls or areas for further improvements were identified these were acted upon.

Relatives, health professionals and educational professionals involved with the home spoke highly of the management team and described the leadership as outstanding.