Archived: FIPTS - Akerman Road

At the last inspection, the service was rated ‘Good’. We carried out this unannounced comprehensive inspection of the service on 10 February 2017. At this inspection, we found that the service had maintained its 'Good' rating.

People continued to be safe at the service. Appropriate systems remained in place to safeguard people from avoidable harm and to manage risks to their health. People’s needs were met by a sufficient number of suitably skilled staff who had been recruited in a safe manner. People received the support they required with their medicines.

People gave consent to care and treatment. Their care was delivered by staff who were well supported and trained to provide effective care. People managed their nutrition and hydration and received the support they required to develop their cooking skills and adopt a healthy lifestyle. They accessed healthcare services when needed to keep healthy.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff were kind and caring and treated people with respect. People's privacy and dignity were upheld. Staff supported and encouraged people to develop their independent living skills.

People continued to receive care that met their individual needs and preferences. Staff encouraged people to pursue their hobbies and interests. People knew how to raise a complaint and were confident any concerns raised would be addressed quickly.

An open and positive culture was maintained within the service. People remained at the centre of the service. The registered manager continued to seek and act on people’s feedback about their care. Quality checks and audits remained in place to ensure shortfalls were identified and addressed to make improvements.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

One of the men said said there was 'a healthy balance' between the restrictions set by the service to manage risk and flexibility to accommodate individual preferences. Someone else said 'The staff are very helpful and supportive. They take time to listen.'

There were effective recruitment processes and a structured induction period for new staff.

Staff were allocated areas of responsibility to make sure the service was monitored appropriately. Incidents were discussed and action taken to reduce the likelihood of a reoccurrence.

The people we spoke with felt well informed and involved in their care. We were told, 'There is nothing provided to us that we don't agree with.' People using the service signed a contract at the beginning of their stay.

There was a detailed plan for reducing identified risk. There were regular meetings with the mental health team to discuss the treatment and support needs of people using the service. One of the people we spoke with described the service as 'a landing place that puts you back on your feet'. Staff also spent time with people who needed support to develop daily living skills, such as managing finances.

There were appropriate arrangements in place for checking the safety and suitability of the premises. The records kept by the service were accurate and fit for purpose.

Staff were supported by a training programme, regular meetings with line managers and group support sessions.