Archived: Palace Road

As a result of our findings on the site visit we met with the provider on 1st November 2011 to discuss our concerns about the service, and check the actions proposed by the provider to address the shortfalls . Although we acknowledge that improvements have taken place there are a number of areas where there are minor concerns. We were informed that the service plans to close as a care home in December 2011, that is when it is planned that all the people living at the home are relocated to suitable placements.

The provider acknowledged our findings and agreed to work to the action/improvement plan developed with the local authority in the interim period until the service is deregistered. It was agreed that this improvement plan including the ongoing progress would be shared with the Care Quality Commission. The provider agreed in writing that no further referrals would be accepted at the service .

We heard from the provider that the remaining 13 people using the service are being reassessed by mental health professionals for new placements.

We heard from people of the benefits from the structure provided in the home.

They find that there are many positives in the service, such as having staff present 24 hours a day,and getting good meals.

People find that autonomy is encouraged and that they are enabled to make choices about how they live their lives.

Consequences are explained to people that choose not to keep appointments with the doctor or community mental health clinic.

Some of the people using the service have developed well and progressed since using this service and are now moving to more independent lifestyle.

Staff told us of the problems encountered since the service was remodelled, they find that they are not receiving appropriate training or support for the demands of the service.