Background to this inspection
Updated
13 May 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was undertaken by two inspectors.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was announced. Due to the pandemic, we gave a short period notice of the inspection to enable us to collate as much information as possible virtually to minimise the time spent by the inspection team visiting the provider’s office.
Inspection activity started on 23 April 2021 and ended on 4 May 2021. We visited the office location on 4 May 2021.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had held about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. 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. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, team leader and care workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
13 May 2021
About the service
Fortescue House is a supported living service providing personal care and support for up to ten people who have enduring mental health difficulties. At the time of our inspection, five people were using the service.
People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they felt safe. Staff had received safeguarding adults from abuse training and knew how to act on any concerns. Risk assessments were in place to manage potential risks within people's lives. People received their prescribed medicines by trained staff. Effective infection control processes were in place. Staff had received infection control training and understood the importance of following government guidance in relation to COVID-19.
Recruitment procedures were safe. Staff had been recruited following relevant checks being undertaken. Staff received training to develop their skills and knowledge, were well supported and worked effectively as a team. There were enough staff available to meet people's needs.
People were complimentary about the kind, caring attitude of staff and were satisfied with the care and support they received. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and people's independence was promoted. Staff supported people to safely stay in regular contact with friends and family through video, telephone calls and garden visits during COVID-19.
People were supported to maintain good health and access health care professionals. Where appropriate, referrals to health care professionals were made and recommendations followed by staff. Where required, people were supported with their nutritional needs.
Care plans detailed how people liked to be supported. People were consulted over their care and support needs and were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People were encouraged and supported to follow their interests and hobbies and join in with social activities staff had introduced during COVID-19 to support people’s well-being.
The service was well led. The registered manager provided clear leadership and was committed to providing high quality care. Staff felt valued and well supported by management. Effective systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 09/01/2020 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the length of time the service was registered and when they commenced providing a regulated activity.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.