21 February 2018
During a routine inspection
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.