Background to this inspection
Updated
12 April 2022
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC’s response to care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.
This inspection took place on 2 March 2022 and was unannounced.
Updated
12 April 2022
About the service
The service provides accommodation and personal care for up to five people living with a learning disability and or autistic spectrum disorder, physical disabilities and complex health conditions. At the time of our inspection there were four people living at the service.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People's experience of using this service and what we found
People received safe care and treatment. Risks associated with people's care needs were assessed, planned for and monitored. Staff were knowledgeable about risks and had detailed guidance on the action required to manage and reduce risks.
Staff had received safeguarding training and protected people from avoidable harm. When errors occured, action was taken to reduce reoccurrence and lessons were learned.
There were sufficient staff employed and deployed effectively to meet people's individual needs and safety. Safe staff recruitment checks were completed before staff commenced their employment.
People's medicines were managed safely. People had complex health care needs and staff had detailed guidance of the care required. Staff worked well with external healthcare professionals and were also supported by internal health professionals in people's ongoing care and treatment.
The prevention and control of infections were minimised due to infection control best practice being followed. Health and safety checks were completed regularly on the premises, environment and care equipment.
People received effective care and treatment from staff who were well trained, supported and knew them well. People were supported with their nutrition and hydration needs and this was effectively managed.
Where people were unable to make specific decisions regarding their care, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 principles were applied. People were consistently supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and had been supported in the least restrictive way possible.
People received care and treatment from staff who were very kind, caring and had a person-centred and positive approach. Relatives were exceptionally positive about the approach of staff who they described as going above and beyond what was expected of them. Staff treated people with great dignity and respect. They treated people as equals and involved them as fully as possible in their care.
People’s communication needs were known and understood by staff. People received opportunities to participate in a variety of social activities, interests and hobbies. There was a positive approach to risk taking and staff strived to engage people in new activities and opportunities.
Staff were positive about their role and shared the registered manager’s values in providing person centred, open and inclusive care. Staff were clear about their role and responsibilities. Accountability and oversight structures and good governance systems were in place. These continually monitored the quality and safety of the service.
People, relatives and staff received opportunities to give feedback and this was used to develop the service. The provider and registered manager had met their registration regulatory requirements.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 1July 2017). Since this rating was awarded, the registered provider of the service has changed its legal entity. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk