Greenways

Updated 24 November 2020

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 coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 10 November 2020 and was unannounced.

Updated 24 November 2020

About the service

Greenways is a residential care home providing personal care for up to six people. It is housed in an adapted building providing residential care for people who have complex learning disabilities and care needs including autism and epilepsy. Greenways is located in a residential area.

The service has been adapted 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 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 were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Risks to people’s health and safety had been identified and actions were in place to ensure risk was minimised. Staff were aware of the actions to take if they thought anyone was at risk of harm or discrimination. Any concerns identified had been reported to appropriate external professionals. A complaints procedure was in place and although there were no current complaints staff and relatives were aware of the process.

Medicine procedures and systems were robust with staff competencies assessed to ensure high standards were maintained. Suitable systems were in place to prevent and control infection.

People were empowered and encouraged to make choices and decisions and to achieve goals and aims. Relatives fed back positively regarding the achievements their loved one had made since moving to Greenways. Staffing numbers were assessed dependant on people’s needs. Regular care reviews were completed, and the service worked closely with relatives and other health professionals to ensure consistent, person centred care was provided.

Staff had access to appropriate training and support to ensure they could meet people’s complex needs. A consistent staffing group meant staff knew people well and understood their needs and preferences. People were encouraged to continue hobbies and interests that were important to them and supported to maintain relationships with friends and family.

People’s needs and choices were well documented and understood by staff. It was evident that there was a close relationship between people and staff. People and their relatives were involved in the planning of care and any changes to the way care and support was delivered. People’s care was tailored to the individual considering their personal preferences and support needs. People who had behaviours that may be challenging had clear guidance in place to ensure positive behaviour support was followed. People’s communication needs were identified and recorded in support plans with specific methods and choice cards used to facilitate communication with people.

People were supported to have a varied and nutritious diet with healthy options provided and encouraged. People’s health and weight was monitored, and referrals made to other agencies if any issues were noted.

The registered manager and staff placed emphasis on person centred high quality care. There was an open culture which was inclusive and valued people and their individuality. Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities. Greenways had a relaxed. Open and welcoming atmosphere which relatives told us made it a happy place for their loved one to live. The registered manager worked with staff each day to provide people with a good quality of care. Regular checks and audits were carried out to ensure the quality and safety of care being provided was maintained.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Requires Improvement (published August 2018)

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 re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.