Southfields

Updated 8 April 2022

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 25 February and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours notice of the inspection.

Updated 8 April 2022

Southfields is a residential service providing respite care (short stays) for up to 15 adults with a learning disability. This can be for a short break away from home, support during transition from one service to another, or an emergency placement whilst waiting for other care to be arranged. The service is in Ashford near to local shops and public transport routes. All bedrooms are single and the property is suitable for people who have mobility difficulties. People using the service had a range of physical and learning disabilities. Some people were living with autism and some required support with behaviours that challenged. There were two people using the service at the time of our inspection.

The service had not been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. However, the values that underpin the guidance such as offering choice, promotion of independence and inclusion were evident in the support people received from staff so they can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

People’s experience of using this service:

• At our last inspection in January 2018, the provider had failed to complete essential maintenance work in a timely manner. People’s care plans contained information about how they liked to be supported, however, there was further scope to increase people’s independence and plan how they wanted this to be achieved. Feedback on ways to enhance the service was not consistently acted upon and, although the provider had identified they wanted to start to complete formal audits, these had not yet started.

• At this inspection improvement was made and the previous breach in regulation was met. The provider had invested in the property and renovation work had been completed. Care plans were detailed, they clearly set out how people wanted to be supported and reflected people’s goals and ambitions. Systems to assess, monitor and improve the service were robust and effective.

• The quality of care people received had significantly improved since the last inspection, records were up to date and reviewed, guidance was in place for staff to consistently support people.

• The management team continuously reviewed medicines practice, including availability and storage to ensure people received their medicines safely.

• The provider had carried out necessary checks to ensure staff were suitable to work with people. Staff levels reflected people’s needs and ensured there were enough staff to support people.

• People were happy, and staff engaged with people in a kind and caring way. People were busy when we visited and engaging in activities and outings.

• Feedback from a relative and our observation of the care provided were positive. Communication from staff was good and we saw the registered manager and staff were approachable. People and relatives commented on the caring attitudes of staff. People and relatives felt able to raise concerns if they had them.

• Staff had the skills and training needed to support people and were supported by the registered manager. People were encouraged to increase their independence. The service supported people to maintain relationships with family and friends.

• People were involved in the running of the service and were consulted on key issues that may affect them.

• The registered manager and staff worked with a clear vision for the service.

Please see more information in Detailed Findings below.

Rating at last inspection:

The service was rated Requires Improvement at the last inspection on 5 and 16 January 2018. Following this inspection, the service is now rated as Good.

Why we inspected:

This inspection was part of our scheduled plan of visiting services based on their previous rating to check the safety and quality of care people received.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk