The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Royal Mencap Society - 164 Denmark Hill

Camberwell, London, SE5 8EE

Provided and run by:
Royal Mencap Society

All Inspections

23 November 2010

During an inspection looking at part of the service

The registered provider told that several people who had been using the service have been placed elsewhere and the remaining people using the service are being supported to identify new premises due to the likelihood of the service being decommissioned. While the current premises are safe, spacious and accessible for those currently using it, there are now only three people using a large seven bedroom service which is unlikely to receive investment from the owners of the property to provide long term support. The local authority is not going to refer any further people to live in the service hence the search for premises which will provide stability and long term outcomes for them. Due to the decommissioning of the service in the new year the refurbishment of the environment is on hold. The environment remains safe and in use, although it needs this cosmetic improvement

The registered manager told us that people are currently being supported by Independent Mental Capacity Advocates to consider the future of the service. The registered provider has also been holding regular consultations with people who use the service, their relatives and care managers.

People who use the service have differing communication abilities however they are able to express their wishes and opinions to a staff team who are trained to understand their preferred methods of communication. One person who uses the service told us 'the home is good' and 'I have been out to MacDonald's and shopping to buy things for Christmas, I am looking forward to that'. The other person told us 'its nice here, I like my room and the dinners'.

Members of staff told us they had completed training that equipped to do the job well and they were confident they had the right knowledge, information and skills to support people with their specific health care needs.

A care manager from Lambeth Social Services told us they did not have any current concerns about the care and support provided at 164 Denmark Hill.