We carried out a review of the data available to us about Whitwell Park 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 Whitwell Park, you can give feedback on this service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion.
People were protected from the risk of abuse, and staff were knowledgeable about how to recognise and report concerns of abuse. There were systems in place to protect people from the risk of harm and abuse, and people, relatives and staff felt confident to raise concerns about unsafe care. People were supported to be as independent as possible whilst remaining safe. Key information about people's care needs was available to staff in the event of an emergency.
People were supported to have a varied and balanced diet. Attention was given to making food look appetising and attractive for people who were not able to eat a normal diet.
People were supported by staff who routinely promoted privacy and dignity. Comments from relatives and people were extremely positive.
People had access to a range of health and social care professionals for advice, treatment and support. Staff monitored people's health and well-being effectively and responded quickly to any concerns.
Staff were recruited in a safe way. The provider took steps to ensure checks were undertaken to ensure potential staff were suitable to work with people needing care. Staff received regular supervision and had checks on their knowledge and skills. They also received an induction and training in a range of skills the provider felt necessary to meet the needs of people at the service.
Staff had a good understanding of people, their likes and dislikes. There was sufficient staff to ensure people could access activities of their choice.
Medicines were managed, stored, administered and disposed of safely.
Staff received training and ongoing skills assessments that enabled them to be confident in supporting people with medicines.
There was an open culture focussed on continual learning and improvement. The service continued to be well led and benefitted from clear and consistent leadership. The registered manager was praised by people, their relatives and staff, for their positive and supportive approach and their prompt resolution of issues.
Systems were in place to monitor the quality of care provided and continuously improve the service. The management team and staff engaged well with other services and had developed positive relationships.
The service was well maintained and was clean and tidy.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection:
The last rating for this service was good (published 15 June 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for Whitwell Park on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
The service specialises in providing nursing and personal care for up to 34 people who have a learning disability or autism or other associated and complex needs. There were 34 people living in the service on the day of our inspection. The service provides care and support for older people, with a range of medical and age related conditions, including mobility issues and dementia.
At the time of our inspection 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 felt safe at the service; their care needs and any risks to their safety were assessed and reviewed. Enough staff were available to meet people’s needs in a timely manner. Staff and the registered manager were able to explain to us how they maintained people’s safety and protected their rights. Staff had been provided with training such as the Mental Capacity Act (2005), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and safeguarding.
The provider had procedures in place which were followed to safely recruit staff. The provider employed new staff once appropriate checks had been completed. New staff participated in an induction program which included a period of shadowing an experienced staff member and completing the Care Certificate.
Registered nurses followed the correct procedures relating to medicines management; systems were in place to ensure medicines were safely stored, administered and disposed of.
People's healthcare and nutritional needs were met; when needed specialist healthcare professionals were involved to ensure people’s needs were met. People received care from staff who had participated in training and acquired skills they needed to meet people's individual needs. People’s individual needs were met by the adaptation, design and décor of the service. Individuals’ choices and preferences were respected and positive outcomes for people were encouraged.
People's dignity and privacy was maintained; staff demonstrated they knew the people well and were aware of the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. Staff were kind, caring and compassionate. People were involved and encouraged to make choices about their day-to-day care. People’s right to a family and private life was encouraged and respected.
Activities were varied and offered to suit people’s needs, choice and preferences. People’s care plans reflected their individual needs and how these were to be met by staff. People and their relatives felt involved with their care. There was a complaints procedure in place and people and relatives were confident any concerns would be listened to and action would be taken.
The service was led by a registered manager who was supportive and approachable; they recognised the importance of being open and transparent along with learning from when things went wrong. There were systems and processes in place to check on the quality and safety of the service; audits of the service were taking place to monitor and review the service. Staff and the registered manager demonstrated a clear passion and commitment to providing a good and effective service to people living at Whitwell Park.