Archived: Ecclesfold Resource Centre

Below is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe, and were treated with respect. One person told us, 'I always feel safe at the unit.' A relative told us they believed, 'The staff are trustworthy.'

Staff received regular compulsory training in all aspects of their job roles including the safeguarding of vulnerable adults. Staff we spoke with told us how they would identify and alert any concerns about abuse to managers and were aware of the role of local authorities in investigating safeguarding concerns.

We saw people received effective and safe support to take medicines they had been prescribed because detailed and accurate records were kept and evaluated by senior staff and external auditors.

Staff were aware that where risks existed the person should be referred for independent assessment under a law called the Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards (DoLS). This assessment determines whether the care provided or planned is necessary and in the persons best interests. We saw that the service had systems in place and the manager knew how to apply for this authorisation. No one at the time of inspection was subject to DoLS.

People told us they knew how to raise complaints and we saw that the process was clearly communicated and discussed by staff. We saw health and safety risk assessments were in place and were regularly audited and evaluated to ensure people were safe.

We saw potential risks for people had been identified and assessments completed. We also found that care was designed and delivered in a way intended to reduce these risks. We observed staff were patient when providing people's care and people who needed help to get around or with personal care were not hurried.

Is the service effective?

People told us they felt the care offered was helpful and effective. One person told us regular short term care at the unit gave their family who cared for them at home a break from their caring routine. Another person told us they had been worried about the thought of receiving short term residential care at Ecclesfold but now thought the service 'is wonderful.'

We saw from records and people told us they were consulted about the care they received. We noted people's wishes and choices were clearly written in care plans

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We saw people's views and comments were expressed in written reviews and their plans of care were updated.

We noted local services which offered people support to voice and address worries and concerns (independent advocacy) were advertised in leaflets and posters within the centre. We saw staff had recently received training in the use and benefits of advocacy. This meant people could access additional support when requested and required.

We saw the provider considered the needs of people with physical, sensory and memory impairments and offered support to improve the quality of the service they received.

Is the service caring?

One relative told us, 'There is a lovely feeling when you come in the centre.' Another relative said they and their partner used the service and were, 'Treated with respect by nice people.'

We observed warm and positive interaction between staff and people who used the service. A visiting professional told us they always felt welcome and the staff were, 'absolutely exceptional.'

Staff we spoke with had an awareness of the needs of people they supported. We saw people were spoken to using their preferred names recorded in their in care files. Care records included information from conversations with people about their lives, aspirations, interests and wishes. One relative told us how impressed they were by the sensitivity of carers in helping their partner who was anxious about receiving care away from home for the first time.

Is the service responsive?

The service sought people's views through questionnaires, monthly meetings and service development groups that included people who use the service. We saw from meeting minutes and audits that proposals and suggestions raised by people were listened to and implemented.

We saw from reviews of peoples' care needs that plans of care were adapted to meet their changing needs and wishes. One relative told us the service was helpful and accommodating when they were planning or asking to change short term care dates.

We noted choice was encouraged by clearly displayed information advising people they could request alternative meals and snacks to those on daily menus.

Is the service well-led?

People told us the service manager and senior staff were approachable and helpful.

Two visiting professionals we spoke with told us they felt the people they supported were offered a good service. Staff told us that a great deal of work was being carried out in planning and introducing changes and improvements to the service. These included a flexible meals service and increasing community involvement in daytime activities on offer at the centre. We saw from quality assurance records the provider worked to ensure improvements in the service

Staff told us the supportive attitude of colleagues and the manager helped ensure changes to the way the service worked did not affect the care people received. We noted a commitment and pride in their work from the manager and staff we spoke with.

People told us that food was provided to a good standard one person added, 'Staff keep us well hydrated.' We found that people's nutritional needs were being met.

People told us they were asked for their views about the service and we saw evidence of action being taken on these views. One relative told us they, 'can't praise [the service] enough.'

People we spoke with felt their records were kept safe and confidential. We found that people's personal records were generally fit for purpose.