21 December 2020
During an inspection looking at part of the service
People's experience of using this service and what we found
We were assured that infection control measures in place reduced the risks to people from COVID-19. This included systems around enhanced cleaning and use of personal protective equipment. Staff worked with people to promote social distancing and COVID-19 testing where possible, taking into account people’s level of understanding and the impact changes had on their anxiety and wellbeing.
There was a positive culture at the service. Relatives told us they were happy with the care provided to their family members. They told us the management of the service were approachable and kept them informed about their family member’s health and wellbeing.
Staff we spoke to were motivated and enthusiastic in their role. They were positive about the support they received from the registered manager.
There were systems in place to protect people from the risk of suffering abuse or avoidable harm.
The provider had supported people to minimise the use of some medicines, where possible. The levels of medicines administered were closely monitored by the provider in partnership with relatives and health professionals. This helped to ensure medicines were administered appropriately.
Incidents were investigated appropriately and reported to relevant professional bodies where needed. This helped to ensure people were receiving care that promoted a positive atmosphere which reduced the risk of incidents reoccurring.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. Staff had worked to minimise the impact the pandemic had on people’s health and wellbeing. They had worked with people to adjust their routines and activities, considering COVID-19 restrictions, taking into account their level of understanding and sensitivity to change.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (12 February 2018).
Why we inspected
We undertook this targeted inspection to follow up on specific risks we had identified related to the service. We decided to inspect and examine those risks. The risks included: systems and processes to safeguard people from abuse, use of ‘when required’ medicines, management culture at service and processes to respond and learn from incidents.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.