About the serviceDerwen College is a further education college for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or autism. It is registered to provide accommodation with personal care and nursing for up to 150 people. At the time of inspection there were 114 people receiving a service.
People lived in a range of different properties from individual bungalows to small group homes and dormitory style accommodation. The majority of people live at the college during term time and return to families/carers over holiday periods. A small group of previous students live at the college all year around. There were various enterprises on the site which people attended as part of their college placement including a restaurant, garden centre and mini hotel.
People’s experience of using this service
People receive a service that is in line with the principles of Registering the Right Support. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice and independence. People using the service received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.
People were supported by staff who understood safeguarding however protection plans did not always reflect the severity of an allegation. Risks to people safety were not always considered and staff did not always have the guidance to support people with high risk behaviours. People were exposed to infection control risks in certain areas while properties awaited refurbishment.
Governance systems were in place however they had not highlighted a number of areas of concern.
People felt that they were well treated but that some staff could improve how they spoke to them. People’s dignity was respected but people’s privacy was potentially compromised due to missing locks on some bathroom doors. People received their medicine on time by trained staff however medicine errors were not always followed up.
People were supported by sufficient staff to meet their needs. People were supported by staff who had received the necessary training and supervision. Staff felt well supported and understood the values of the service.
People received care that was personalised to their needs and in line with their educational goals.People were involved in decisions about their care and had access to a range of communication tools to support engagement. People were supported to access healthcare. People were supported with independent living skills.
People had access to a complaints procedure and complaints were investigated. Lessons were learnt when things went wrong.Buildings were adapted to people’s needs and further work was planned.
The service was focused on continuous improvement and working with others.
Derwen college does not provide end of life care
Rating at last inspection
At the last inspection the service was rated as good (Report published 23 November 2016)
Why we inspected
This inspection was carried out in line with our inspection methodology and the date of the last inspection. We found evidence that the provider needs to make improvements. Please see the safe section of this report.
Enforcement
We identified a breach in relation to the management of risk at this inspection. Please see what action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor all intelligence received about the service to ensure the next planned inspection is scheduled accordingly
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk