16 January 2018
During a routine inspection
The service had 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.
The service had not previously been inspected.
People were protected against the risk of avoidable harm and abuse. Staff received on-going training in safeguarding which enabled them to identify, report and escalate concerns of suspected abuse. The service had developed comprehensive risk management plans in collaboration with the behavioural specialist, to keep people safe. Risk management plans were reviewed regularly to reflect people’s changing needs.
The service carried out robust pre-employment checks to ensure suitable staff were employed. People and staff told us there were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to keep people safe and meet their needs. At the time of the inspection, the provider was actively recruiting new staff. Staff reflected on their working practices through regular supervisions and appraisals to enhance their skills.
People received support from staff that received regular training in areas the provider deemed mandatory. Staff confirmed they could request additional training if they felt this was necessary.
The service demonstrated good practice in the safe management of medicines. People were supported and encouraged to take control of their medicines management and were regular assessed to ensure they were competent in safe medicines management.
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 in the service supported this practice. Staff had sufficient knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Where required and requested, people were supported to access healthcare professional services to maintain good health. Guidance and advice provided by healthcare professionals was then implemented into people’s care plans and the delivery of care. People were encouraged to make healthy choices.
People were encouraged to participate in the development of their care plans, which were person centred. Care plans were comprehensive and gave staff a clear insight into the care people wanted and how to deliver that care and support in line with people’s wishes. Care plans were regularly reviewed by the service with the involvement of people, their relatives and healthcare professionals.
People were encouraged to access and become valued members of their community. People received support and guidance in securing paid employment and to participate in a wide range of activities that met their social care needs.
People and their relatives confirmed they knew how to raise any concerns they may have. The provider had a complaints policy in place and available in pictorial format for people on the noticeboard in the communal hallway. Complaints were appropriately managed, investigated and action taken to minimise repeat incidents.
The provider had systems and processes in place to monitor the quality of the service, through regular audits. Audits looked at medicines management, health and safety, training and care plans. Where issues had been identified, action plans were undertaken to ensure these were rectified in a timely manner.
The service actively encouraged partnership working with healthcare professionals. Support given by healthcare professionals was then implemented into people’s care plans.