12 December 2011
During a routine inspection
At the time of our inspection there were eight people living at the location all have a diagnosis of learning disability. These people were previously looked after by the NHS. Some of the people have lived in long term care provisions since they were seven years old.
Staff caring for the eight people during their temporary stay at this location were from a range of places. Some were formally employed by the NHS so they knew the people well. Others were employed by the provider from agencies and small proportion mainly senior managers are employed by the provider.
Because of limited communication and understanding due to learning disability and associated diagnoses we were unable to hold conversations with people. We met five of the eight people living at the location. Staff introduced us to people so we were able to have some engagement. We spent time in a communal area where we could observe and hear some staff and people interaction.
During our time at the location it was clear that staff had a good relationship with people in their care. Staff were patient and polite, in turn people responded positively when they were approached by staff.
We spoke to a number of staff. Generally, staff felt that they were doing a good job considering the rather unusual circumstances. One staff member told us;' I think it has been difficult for the people having to get used to a new environment and mostly new staff. We have worked well as a team to make sure that people are well looked after'.
We found some areas that need to be improved upon to make sure that people are safe and free from harm.
Medication systems and processes need some improvements to make sure that they are robust and safe.
Safeguarding processes need some improvements to make sure that they are robust and safe.
Better, in-depth auditing would give people greater assurance that they are being safeguarding and that the service is being run in their best interests.