Abbeymoor Neurodisability Centre

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At the last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 72 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The management team had a strong and embedded learning culture that supported high quality and safe care. Staff were confident about reporting incidents, near misses and concerns and told us they felt listened to and supported by leaders. Leaders reviewed incidents promptly, identified themes and took action to reduce the risk of recurrence. Learning was shared effectively through supervision, team discussions and service updates. This meant staff were supported to continually improve practice, and people benefited from safer care and reduced risk of harm. A staff member said, “All staff want is the best for each individual therefore any safety concerns are reported to nurse on duty immediately. They will action a risk management plan at that moment in time or organise for a wider multidisciplinary team meeting if they feel further support is needed. Support plans are updated at least monthly which means all are regularly risk screened.”

Systems were in place to ensure safe care pathways and transitions. The management team had effective and well‑embedded systems to ensure people experienced safe, coordinated care across pathways and during transitions. Information about people’s needs, risks and preferences was shared appropriately with other services, supporting continuity of care. Staff worked proactively with external professionals to plan admissions, transfers and discharges in a timely way. They worked collaboratively with healthcare professionals to respond promptly to changes in people’s conditions. As a result, people experienced smooth transitions that reduced anxiety, minimised risk and supported positive outcomes. A visiting professional said, “I wish every placement worked as well as Abbeymoor Neurodisability Centre, as staff consistently work in a way which helps to maximise their independence and quality of life.”

Staff worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The service shared concerns quickly and appropriately. When incidents occurred, staff completed a full investigation and took a proportionate, balanced approach when dealing with them. Staff had training and a good understanding of what to do to make sure people were protected from harm or abuse. Records showed safeguarding incidents were investigated and lessons learned were shared with the team. Staff understood when Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations would need to be sought and what to do if there were conditions imposed.

Staff worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. They provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risk assessments were in place but did not always reflect actions staff needed to take. for example, staff had not put plans in place when people became disinhibited. Also, environmental risk assessments contained limited information. The management team immediately took action to address these matters.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. A full and extensive refurbishment plan had been completed. People were supported to be as independent as possible within the environment. Staff made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care and worked with external professionals to review people’s aids. They knew who to contact when people might benefit from additional aids or equipment. Staff were trained to use any equipment people needed.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. People confirmed there were always enough staff on duty. A staff member said, “I find my work very rewarding. There are sufficient staff and time to carry out any task required, we do have periods of time where it is difficult to maintain a full nightshift team, and we depend on agency staff.” Recruitment practices and training levels met the required standards. The provider promoted a learning culture and ensured staff had access to a wide range of training. Staff had received mandatory and condition specific training. Staff supervision sessions were completed in line with the provider's policy.

The service assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff followed infection prevention and control protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment and regular audits.

Staff made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff who administered medicines had the appropriate training and competency checks. Storage areas were secure, and temperature checks were recorded. Medicine Administration Records (MAR) were accurate, and controlled drugs were handled in line with regulations. Regular audits were regularly completed. If any issues were identified action plans were implemented to address them, and staff were reminded of best practice. These practices ensured staff consistently managed medicines safely.