At our previous inspection on 17 October 2013 we found that the service was required to make improvements in relation to safeguarding people who used the service from the risk of abuse and also with regards to cleanliness and infection control.At our inspection on 8 April 2014 we found that the service had made the required improvements.
During this inspection we set out to answer our five key questions; Is the service caring, responsive, safe, effective and well led?
Is the service safe?
The service had robust systems in place for identifying and reporting any concerns about people's safety and welfare. Staff had received training on protecting people who used the service from the risk of abuse and had a good awareness of their role in relation to this. People who used the service, who may not have been able to express any concerns were being supported by the service. In addition they supported by their relatives and health and social care professionals.
The environment was safe and well maintained. There were systems in place to ensure appropriate standards of cleanliness and infection control were provided. The staff we spoke with were familiar with health and safety requirements and had received regular support and training.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff have been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one.
Is the service effective?
We saw that where changes to a person's needs were identified the appropriate updates were made to their care plan and the relevant professionals were contacted if needed. When issues were found through assessing and monitoring the quality of the service provided, an action plan was created a record of this action being carried out was maintained.
Is the service caring?
We observed staff with people who used the service. We saw staff to be attentive and respectful to people. Where people needed constant supervision and support due to their complex needs, staff were aware of this and assisted them in a sensitive manner. Through discussion with staff members we found that the service strived to not only support people on admission and discharge of the service, but also were keen to support their family members. This demonstrated that staff were committed to providing a high standard of care for people.
Is the service responsive?
We saw from care plans that when people arrived at the service their needs were assessed and recorded. There was evidence of people's involvement in the planning of their care and their requests were carried out. For example, additional support which was requested was given to a person and their family through a difficult family event.
Is the service well-led?
There were regular audits completed and action plans developed from the findings of these. There was a record of these actions being completed. The views of people were taken on board and new systems of working were derived from people's feedback and shared with the staff team.
The assistant manager works within the rota which allowed for an open and supportive approach to staff. There were regular checks on staff performance through observation and guidance when needed.
Staff meetings were held and training was provided to ensure staff were familiar with what was expected of them from the manager, assistant manager and provider.