Magdalen Close Hostel

Updated 10 February 2021

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 coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 27 January 2021 and was announced.

Updated 10 February 2021

Magdalen Close Hostel is a residential home for up to 22 people who have a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. People who use the service may also have mental health needs, a physical disability or dementia. There are four ‘houses’ which have the capacity 14 beds for people living at the home on a long term basis and four beds for short stays located within one of the ‘houses’. In addition there were four separate flats available for people who were being supported to prepare to live more independently in the community. At the time of our inspection there were eleven people using the service.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Procedures were in place which safeguarded people from the potential risk of abuse. Staff understood the various types of abuse and knew who to report any concerns to.

People received care which was person centred and responsive to their needs. They were supported and fully engaged in activities that were meaningful to them. Staff had an excellent understanding of people's backgrounds and they supported people to pursue their interests and hobbies, try new things and learn new skills.

People were supported to take their medicines safely, if required. Systems were in place to record when medicines were given.

Staff continuously looked for ways to improve care, so people had positive experiences and led fulfilling and meaningful lives. They liaised with professionals to make sure that people's health care needs were met.

Social interaction and community acceptance was important and opportunities to access and integrate into the local community were regularly provided.

Peoples' privacy was respected. Staff supported people to make individual choices and had a common aim and purpose to achieve positive outcomes for people. Staff supported people to express their views, so they could understand things from their point of view.

The registered manager and staff knew of their responsibilities regarding the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Risks to people were assessed and control measures put in place to mitigate risks to people's safety. This enabled people to maintain as much independence as possible. There were sufficient numbers of staff to ensure that people's needs were met.

Recruitment practices ensured that staff were of good character and suitable for their roles. Staff received an induction and on-going training to make sure they had the right skills and knowledge. Staff were well supported and had opportunities to discuss any concerns and training needs they might have.

There were positive relationships between people and members of staff. Staff treated people with kindness and took the time to get to know them and their interests whilst providing their care. Staff involved people in producing their care plans to ensure that care was provided to them in the way they wanted it to be.

The service was well led, quality assurance system were in place and the registered manager looked at ways they could continuously improve the service people received.

Further information is in the detailed findings below