26 January 2017
During a routine inspection
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The registered manager was supported by a management team which was made up of the service manager and two service co-ordinators, between them they provided support to staff and oversight and management of the service at all three sites.
Staff were trained in how to protect people from abuse and harm. They knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report any concerns and use the whistleblowing procedure if necessary.
Risks to people were well managed as staff knew the people they cared for and were provided with clear guidance to reduce identified risks and protect people from harm.
There were enough staff to meet the level of commissioned support that people received as agency staff were used to make up the shortfall. The service was continuing to recruit new staff to achieve a stable and consistent workforce.
Safe recruitment practices were adhered to. All staff were subject to a probation period and to disciplinary procedures if they did not meet the required standards of practice.
Medicines were managed safely. Staff were trained in the safe administration of medicines and maintained relevant records that were accurate.
The provider ensured that staff received regular training in mandatory subjects as well as some specialist training, specific to the needs of people using the service. We have made a recommendation about staff training on the subject of learning disability to ensure that all staff have the knowledge and skills to meet people’s needs in an effective and individualised way.
Staff were supported by the management team through supervision and appraisal to maintain and develop their professional skills.
Consent to care and treatment was sought from people in line with current legislation. All staff and management were trained in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. The management understood their responsibilities in identifying where there is, or is likely to be, a deprivation of liberty that must be authorised by the Court of Protection.
People were supported to have enough to eat and drink that met their individual preferences and any health needs and promoted choice and independence.
Staff assisted people to attend healthcare appointments and liaised with their GP and other healthcare professionals as required to help people maintain their health and wellbeing.
People were treated with kindness and compassion and their privacy and dignity was
respected and maintained at all times.
Individual needs were assessed and care plans gave clear guidance on how people were to be supported. Care was personalised so that each person’s support plan reflected their views and preferences.
The service supported people to access educational, work and leisure activities of their own choosing as well as being able to develop their own independent living skills.
There was an effective complaints procedure in place and the service responded to complaints appropriately.
Staff and people were included in the day to day running of the service.
Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the organisation’s safety and effectiveness.
We made a recommendation that the provider explore ways to obtain meaningful feedback from people who use the service to drive improvements.