Dimensions Fountain House Innox Lane

Updated 5 December 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This comprehensive inspection took place on 29 October 2017. The inspection was announced, which meant the provider knew we would be visiting. This is because we wanted to make sure the provider, or someone who could act on their behalf, would be available to support the inspection. This inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

On the day of the inspection we spoke with four members of staff, the deputy and registered manager. Following our visit to the service we spoke with two relatives of people. The people who used the service were unable to tell us of their experience of living in the house. We observed interactions between staff in communal areas.

We looked at three people’s care and support plans and medicine administration records. We also looked at records relating to the management of the service such as the daily communication records, audits, supervision and training records.

Updated 5 December 2017

Dimensions Fountain House is registered to provide accommodation for up to eight people who require personal care. At the time of our inspection there were seven people living at the service. The people who live at the service have learning disabilities and profound physical needs.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Why the service is rated good:

People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

Risks to people were assessed and where required a risk management plan was in place to support people manage an identified risk and keep them safe.

Staffing numbers were sufficient to meet people’s needs and this ensured people were supported safely. People’s representatives told us that they were satisfied about their relative’s safety.

People received effective support from staff that had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. The provider ensured that new staff completed an induction training programme which prepared them for their role. Staff received on-going training to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Staff were supported through a supervision programme. Supervision is where staff meet one to one with their line manager to discuss their work and development.

People were supported to maintain good health and had access to external health care professionals when required.

Staff were caring towards people and there was a good relationship between people and staff. Staff demonstrated an understanding of the needs and preferences of the people they cared for.

Support provided to people met their needs. Supporting records highlighted information about what was important to people and how to support them. People were involved in activities of their choice.

There were systems in place to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service. To ensure continuous improvement the provider had a service improvement in place. This provided actions required within set timelines.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.