Garmsway

Updated 17 March 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 care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has 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 10 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours notice of the inspection.

Updated 17 March 2022

About the service

Heathcotes (Whitley House) is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 6 people with learning disabilities, autism and associated complex needs. At the time of our inspection 6 people were living there.

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 received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.

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

The Secretary of State has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to conduct a thematic review and to make recommendations about the use of restrictive interventions in settings that provide care for people with, or who might have, mental health problems, learning disabilities and/or autism. Thematic reviews look in-depth at specific issues concerning quality of care across the health and social care sectors. They expand our understanding of both good and poor practice and of the potential drivers of improvement.

As part of thematic review, we carried out a survey with the registered manager at this inspection. This considered whether the service used any restrictive intervention practices (restraint, seclusion and segregation) when supporting people.

The service used some restrictive intervention practices as a last resort, in a person-centred way, in line with positive behaviour support principles. Where interventions were used the registered manager agreed to record where lessons could be learnt to reduce the likelihood an incident would occur again.

Everyone we spoke with was positive about the service. There was a relaxed and homely atmosphere. Staff had developed caring and trusting relationships with people. The service demonstrated exceptional positive outcomes for people which reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support. This included; supporting people to make their own decisions and choices to maintain independence and control of their lives. Improving people’s life experiences and accessing the right support at the right time to maintain positive outcomes for people’s health conditions. This had a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and mental health. People were offered opportunities to gain new skills and explore work and other interests.

Care plans contained detailed and relevant information about how to proactively meet people's needs. Staff were immediately informed of changes in people’s needs so that care was tailored and specific to each individual.

People enjoyed a range of activities and followed their hobbies and interests. Staff took time to understand things that were important to people such as, supporting them to build and maintain friendships and family relations.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; policies and systems supported this practice. People were provided with information they needed and were encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their care. Staff always asked for people’s consent before staff delivered care and support for them.

Systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse or harm, which included safe recruitment processes. Detailed risk assessments were in place and overall medicines were managed safely. Accidents and incidents were recorded appropriately.

Staff received regular training to enable them to deliver person centred care. This included additional training specific to people’s health needs and some was sourced from external health professionals.

People were encouraged to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, whilst respecting their own food choices. Staff supported people with their eating and drinking by creating an inclusive environment.

People, their relatives and staff spoke positively about the management team. They were confident about raising concerns and that they would be addressed immediately. Staff felt supported and valued by them.

Checks were in place to maintain safety and drive improvements at the service. The management team had a proactive approach and were keen to make changes that would impact positively on people's lives.

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

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was Good (published 22 August 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.