Red Brick House

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 71 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

Staff made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.A person commented, “The manager had a meeting with my relative, before I moved in.” Staff told us there were effective systems in place to assess and monitor people’s needs. This included handover meetings between incoming and outgoing staff on shift, staff meetings and flash meetings. A staff member commented, “Communication is good, we get regular updates. Learning is shared at handover and through the communications book and the electronic system.”

Staff planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. There was effective recording and monitoring of people’s nutritional and fluid intake, with specialist advice obtained in a timely way, including for modified diets. A professional commented, “Staff bring me various food textures to trial with residents if I am conducting a swallow assessment.” Communication took place with catering staff so they were informed of any changes in people’s nutrition and where they may be at risk of weight loss. People received a varied diet; however, we received mixed feedback about the quality and choice of food. People and relatives’ comments included, “The food is ok, I think they could have a bigger portions. [Name] is eating much better here”, “I get plenty of food and drinks”, “The food is monotonous”, “Food quality varies, sometimes good sometimes less so”, “I would like to see more fruit choice” and “The food is average.” We noted menus were being revised because of people’s recent feedback and were to include more of their menu suggestions. People did not always have information in formats to suit them, when choosing meals. The manager took immediate action to address our feedback.

Staff at the service worked well across teams and services to support people. Staff made timely referrals and worked well with other agencies to ensure people's treatment needs were met. A person commented, “Staff listen to me, they share information with other health care professionals.” A staff member told us, “We get good support from the mental health team, they are very approachable and good for some ad hoc advice as well.”

Staff at the service supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. The service supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. Records included specialist advice and guidance, that had been obtained where people had additional support needs, such as, from the speech and language therapist or community nursing team. People told us they were supported to access health care. A person told us, “Staff get the doctor quickly.”

Staff routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.Care plans were personalised to ensure outcomes could be met ensuring people received safe and effective support. There was a system of evaluation of risk assessments and people's care plans. Reviews were carried out regularly to ensure people's support and outcomes were monitored. A person commented, “People have a review once a month depends on your room number, 1 person at a time. The doctor or manager have a conversation with you and the nurse in charge.”

Staff at the service told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. Assessments were carried out, around people’s mental capacity and care records contained relevant information. A person commented, “I leave everything to my sons to deal with, both have power of attorney.”