The Woodlarks Centre

Updated 30 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 14 April and was announced.

Updated 30 April 2021

About the service: The Woodlarks Centre is a care home without nursing for a maximum of 23 people, some of whom are living with a physical or learning disability. There were 22 people aged over 25 at the time of the inspection. The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. For more details, please see the full report which is on CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

People’s experience of using this service:

Risks to people were appropriately recorded and managed, and staff were aware of their role in safeguarding people from abuse. People and their relatives told us they felt safe, and there were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Accidents and incidents were recorded and analysed for trends.

People’s rights were protected in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Although some people had lived at the service for a long time, the premises was designed to meet the needs of the people who lived there. Staff had the knowledge and training to deliver their role effectively, and ensured people maintained their hydration and nutrition throughout the day.

People and relatives told us staff were kind and caring. People were involved in reviews around their care, and were promoted to be independent where possible by completing tasks. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity.

People’s care plans were person centred, and their rooms personalised and decorated to their own taste. There were a wide range of activities available to people, who were encouraged and supported to take part in college courses and employment opportunities. People’s end of life wishes were recorded if they were happy to talk about this topic.

People, relatives and staff felt the management team were approachable and were asked for feedback in order to improve the quality of the service. Regular audits took place to identify issues to be resolved which the service took a proactive approach to. The registered manager had already made changes and had more plans in place to improve the service.

Rating at last inspection:

At the last inspection the service was rated Good. The inspection report was published on 5 July 2016.

Why we inspected:

This was a scheduled comprehensive inspection. We inspect all services rated as 'Good' within 30 months to ensure that we regularly monitor and review the quality and safety of the service people receive.