Archived: Next Stage - A Way Forward

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good. At this inspection we found the service remained good, however we found a rating of requires improvement in the safe domain. We found medication procedures at the home were safe, however we identified a recording issue regarding medication and staff were not always aware of procedures when to update office staff regarding on-going safeguarding issues.

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 the service had supported this practice.

We spoke with the people who received a service from Next Stage - A Way Forward and all gave positive feedback about the support and the staff who gave it. People were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and participate in activities they enjoyed.

Care plans and risk assessments were person centred and detailed how people wished and needed to be supported. They were regularly reviewed and updated as required. Care plans showed that people's GPs and other healthcare professionals were contacted for advice about people’s health needs whenever necessary. We saw the service had responded promptly when people had experienced health problems.

The provider and registered manager used different methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. These included regular audits of the service, ‘Service User Forum’ and staff meetings to seek the views of people and staff about the service. The providers were also involved in the running of the service.

The services policies and procedures had been regularly reviewed by the provider and these included policies on health and safety, confidentiality, mental capacity, medication, whistle blowing and safeguarding.

Staff were recruited safely and there was evidence that staff received a proper induction and suitable training to do their job role effectively. All staff had been supervised in their role. Staffing levels were consistent and were adapted to meet people’s needs.

The service operated in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). It was clear from care records and discussions with people that their consent was always sought in relation to care and treatment and people understood how to make a complaint if they were dissatisfied with the service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

We spoke with professionals about the care provided by Next Stage ' A Way Forward. All were positive about the service provided and the staff.

We found that care files were well maintained, easy to read and contained detailed person centred information about people who used the service. Care plans had been regularly reviewed and updated.

People received their medication in a safe manner. Care staff had attended medication training as part of the induction programme provided by the service and regular updates were undertaken.

We found that the service had robust recruitment systems in place to make sure that staff were suitable and safe to care for vulnerable people.

We were shown the company's complaints policy and found that people who used the service had been given information on how to make a complaint.

They said staff were respectful and that they enjoyed the social activities that they were supported to take part in and the group activities such as luncheon clubs. The service supported people to take part in educational courses such as flower arranging. One person spoken with said they had started swimming and enjoyed it.

People said that they felt the staff team supported them well. Comments such as ' excellent, couldn't be better' ' I have improved a lot since being supported by Next Stage' 'they help me to do my shopping and get out and about' and ' I had an accident and needed help to shower and get dressed and they were always there to help me' were made by people who use the service.

People spoken with said they felt safe and supported.