We carried out a review of the data available to us about NAS Community Services (North 1) on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about NAS Community Services (North 1), you can give feedback on this service.
NAS Community Services (North 1) provides personal care and support to people with autism, living in their own homes. The service is one of two separate teams, based at the same location. At the time of the inspection visit 9 people were using the service.
People's experience of using this service:
We observed people were relaxed and content in the company of staff and managers. Relatives told us they felt people were safe with the service. Staff had received training on positively responding to people’s behaviours and safeguarding and protection matters. Staff were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and they knew what to do if they had any concerns.
Processes were in place to complete appropriate checks before staff started working at the service. We found some checks had been missed, but action was taken to make improvements. There were enough staff deployed to provide care and support. Staffing arrangements, including the use of ‘bank’ and agency staff was kept under review and staff recruitment was ongoing.
Staff supported people with health and safety matters in their homes. This included support with décor, furnishings and equipment, in response to people's individual needs and choices.
People's needs were assessed, planned for and reviewed. Each person had a support plan which was designed to meet their needs and choices. People were supported with their health and well-being. Staff followed processes to manage people's medicines safely.
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 at the service supported this practice. People had opportunity to develop their independence skills.
We observed staff interacted with people in a kind, pleasant and friendly manner. Relatives made positive comments about the caring attitude of staff. Staff knew people well and were respectful of their choices and preferred routines. People’s privacy and dignity was respected.
There were opportunities for people to engage in a wide range of community activities. People were supported to keep in touch with their families.
People were offered a variety of meals and drinks; healthy eating was promoted and monitored. Individual needs and choices were known and catered for.
Relatives had an awareness of the service's complaints procedure and processes and were confident in raising concerns. Some complaints records were unclear and didn't properly show how they were investigated and managed. The registered manager assured us action would be taken to make improvements.
Staff training and devolvement was ongoing. The provider had introduced incentives to improve staff retention and job satisfaction.
The provider had processes to encourage people to express their views and be consulted about NAS Community Services (North 1). They had opportunities to give feedback on their experience of the service and make suggestions for improvements.
The provider used a variety of systems, to regularly monitor and improve the service.Management and leadership arrangements supported the effective day to day running of the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection:
This was the first inspection since registering with CQC.
Why we inspected:
This was a planned inspection based on our scheduled programme.
Follow up:
We will plan a follow up inspection as per our inspection programme. We will continue to monitor the service and if we receive any concerning information we may bring the inspection forward.