This inspection took place on 24 November and 6 December 2015 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection of this service since it registered with us on 18 December 2014.
17 Chamberlain Way provides respite care for up to two people who require accommodation with personal care. The service supports people with a range of learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders as well as physical disabilities. On the first day of our inspection there was one person using the service.
There was no registered manager in post. The registered manager had left in March 2015 and a new manager was recruited shortly after. However, they had left the service just over a week before our inspection. An acting manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff understood how to keep people safe as they knew the signs people may be being abused and how to report these.
The provider assessed risks to people appropriately and put suitable risk management plans in place for people. Accidents and incidents were recorded clearly in a way which allowed the provider to check people received the right support.
There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and recruitment procedures were robust in making sure only suitable staff worked with people in the service.
The premises and equipment were safe as the right checks were in place.
Staff understood the requirements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 including the need to obtain consent from people before providing care.
People received a choice of food and drink and received the right support to eat and drink. Staff understood people’s health needs, including those related to diets, and how to support them appropriately.
Staff were well supported through a programme of supervision and training to ensure they were able to fulfil their roles and responsibilities appropriately.
Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect. They understood people’s needs and backgrounds and how to support people to be as independent as they wanted to be.
There was a suitable complaints system in place which people were aware of.
People were involved in their care planning and were supported to take part in activities when this was part of their care plan.
The provider had a range of suitable audits in place to assess, monitor and improve the service. The provider also consulted with external organisations to help improve the service.
Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities and were involved in developing the service.