Archived: Ribble Valley Short Break Service

Updated 8 June 2019

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Ribble Valley Short Break Service is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because it is small and people are often out, and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service from the provider since the last inspection, such as safeguarding incidents. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service.

Due to technical problems, the provider was not able to complete a Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

During the inspection

We spoke with two people who used the service about their experience of the care and support provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, assistant manager, support workers and the business support officer.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to corroborate evidence found. We received confirmation of improved controlled drugs storage and complaints management processes.

Updated 8 June 2019

About the service: Ribble Valley Short Break Service provides care, support and accommodation, on a short-term basis for up to six people with a learning disability and or autism. Four people were using the service. The size of service meets current best practice guidance. This promotes people living in a small domestic style property to enable them to have the opportunity of living a full life.

People's experience of using this service: We observed people were relaxed and content in the company of staff and managers. Relatives told us they felt people were safe at the service. Staff had received training on positively responding to people’s behaviours and safeguarding and protection matters. Staff were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and they knew what to do if they had any concerns.

Processes were in place to make sure all appropriate checks were carried out before staff started working at the service. There were enough staff available to provide care and support; staffing arrangements were kept under review.

Arrangements were in place to promote the safety of the premises, this included maintenance, servicing and checking systems. There was a good standard of décor and furnishings to provide for people's individual needs, comfort and wellbeing.

Staff followed some good processes to manage people's medicines safely. Some improvements were needed with safe storage of medicines, the registered manager acted on this.

People's needs were assessed, planned for and reviewed. Each person had a support plan which was designed to meet their needs and choices. People were supported with their health and well-being. Where necessary, people received appropriate medical attention.

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 at the service supported this practice. People had opportunity to develop their independence skills.

People and their relatives made positive comments about the caring attitude of staff. We observed staff interacting with people in a kind, pleasant and friendly manner. Staff knew people well and were respectful of their choices and preferred routines. People’s privacy and dignity was respected.

There were opportunities for people to engage in a wide range of community and in-house activities. People were supported to keep in touch with their families. Relatives said they were made welcome at the service.

People were offered a variety of meals and drinks; healthy eating was promoted and monitored. Individual needs and choices were known and catered for.

Relatives had an awareness of the service's complaints procedure and processes and were confident in raising concerns. Some complaints records were unclear and didn't properly show how they were investigated and managed. The registered manager confirmed to us, action had been taken to make improvements.

The provider had arrangements to encourage people to express their views and be consulted about Ribble Valley Short Break Service. They had opportunities to give feedback on their experience of the service and make suggestions for improvements.

The provider used a variety of systems, to regularly monitor and improve the service.

Management and leadership arrangements supported the effective day to day running of the service.

Rating at last inspection: Good (published 29 October 2016)

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up: We will plan a follow up inspection as per our inspection programme. We will continue to monitor the service and if we receive any concerning information we may bring the inspection forward.

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