Fortescue House

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.