Priory Highfields

About the service

Priory Highfields is a residential care home made up of 2 separate domestic-style houses providing personal care to 7 people at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 8 people. The service was for younger people with a learning disability and/or autism.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Right Support:

Risks were not always assessed and planned for. However, staff knew people well and had not come to harm. Medicines were generally safely managed, but some improvements were needed. Staff were recruited safely. People were protected from the risk of abuse by staff. Where abuse had been identified action was taken by the provider to safeguard people. People were protected from the risk of infection. People had access to health professionals as needed. People were supported with food and drinks of their choice. The home environment was in line with people’s preferences and it’s safety was checked and maintained.

People 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.

Right Care:

People were supported by a caring staff team who treated them with respect. People were encouraged to be independent, where possible. People were enabled to partake in a range of hobbies and activities.

Right Culture:

Quality assurance systems to monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service were not always effective. The service worked in partnership with external professionals and organisations. The registered manager and staff team were person-centred and wanted the best outcomes for people. Relatives felt able to raise concerns, if needed, although felt proactive communication could be improved. Staff felt supported and felt able to go to the registered manager.

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 18 November 2021, and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about possible poor staff culture. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern. Please see all of the key question sections of this full report.

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 COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will work with the local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.