Archived: Newton House

Updated 15 February 2019

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 07 January 2019 and was unannounced. This was a comprehensive inspection carried out by one inspector.

We reviewed the information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. Prior to the inspection we looked at all the information we had collected about the service including previous inspection reports and notifications the registered manager had sent us. A notification is information about important events which the service is required to tell us about by law. We also contacted seven community professionals and received feedback from three.

During the inspection we spoke with two people who use the service and two relatives. In addition, we spoke with the locality manager, the registered manager after the inspection and spoke to three staff. We looked at records relating to the management of the service including three people's care plans and associated records. We reviewed two recruitment records, incident and accident records, quality assurance records, health and safety information, safeguarding and policies relating to the running of the service.

Updated 15 February 2019

Newton House provides personal care and support to seven people with a learning disability, some of whom also have needs associated with autism. The service is operated by Aitch Care Homes (London) Limited under the brand 'The Regard Group'. Twenty-four hour support is provided by a team of staff.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

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Why the service is rated Good.

People felt safe while supported by the staff team who made them feel reassured and relatives agreed with this. Staff understood their responsibilities to raise concerns and report incidents or allegations of abuse. The registered manager had the knowledge to identify safeguarding concerns and acted on these appropriately. The service assessed personal and environmental risks to the safety of people, staff and visitors and took actions to minimise those risks.

The provider had employed skilled staff. They were knowledgeable and caring, making sure people received appropriate care and support. People received support that was individualised to their personal preferences and needs. Their needs were monitored and their support plans were reviewed regularly or as changes occurred. People received their prescribed medicine safely and on time. We found a minor issue with the storage of medicine but it was rectified promptly.

Staff had ongoing support, supervision and appraisals. They felt supported by the registered manager and maintained good team work. People received care and support that was personalised to meet their individual needs. People were able to continue their usual daily activities and access the local community to enhance social activities. Staff understood the needs of the people and we saw care was provided with kindness and consideration.

People and relatives were complimentary of the staff and the support and care they provided. The recruitment and selection process helped to ensure people were supported by suitable staff of good character. There were sufficient numbers of staff on each shift. The service ensured there were enough qualified and knowledgeable staff to meet people's needs at all times. People's rights to confidentiality, dignity and privacy were respected. Staff supported and encouraged people to develop and maintain their independence wherever possible. Relatives were complimentary of the service and the way their family members were supported.

People were given a nutritious and balanced diet and hot and cold drinks and snacks were available between meals. People had their healthcare needs identified and were able to access healthcare professionals such as their GP. The registered manager and staff team knew how to access specialist professional help when needed. People were supported in the least restrictive way possible to have maximum choice and control of their lives. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

We observed a calm and relaxed atmosphere during our inspection. People were treated kindly and with respect. Staff were happy in their jobs and there was a good team spirit. The registered manager had quality assurance systems in place to monitor the quality of care being delivered and the running of the service. They promoted a positive culture in the service and ensured people were at the centre of the staff team’s attention.

Staff felt the registered manager was approachable and considerate. They had good communication, worked well together and supported each other, which benefitted the people who use the service. The registered manager had quality assurance systems in place to monitor the running of the service and the quality of the service being delivered. The registered manager was able to identify issues and improvements necessary and took actions promptly to address these. They praised the staff team for their hard work and appreciated their contribution to ensure people received the best care and support.

Further information is in the detailed findings in the full report.