18 October 2016
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on 18 October 2016 and was unannounced. We returned on 24 October 2016 to complete the inspection.
There was a registered manager in post at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
At the last inspection in September 2015 we found the provider was not meeting all of the requirements of regulations relating to managing risk, keeping people safe and providing support and supervision for staff. At this inspection we found that the provider had taken action to address these issues and was meeting the requirements of the regulations. Risks were managed well and staff were clear about the action they needed to take to keep people safe. Where incidents occurred, there was a detailed process to review them and learn any lessons that came out of them. Staff received good support and supervision, which enabled them to do their job effectively.
Relatives were positive about the care people received and praised the quality of the staff and management. Comments included, “They have a very good understanding of (my relative) and provide excellent care” and “There is a genuine compassion for (my relative)”. People appeared comfortable in the presence of staff. We observed people smiling and laughing with staff.
People and their relatives were involved in developing and reviewing their support plans. The plans were clear, detailed and person centred, which gave staff the information they needed to support people effectively. Systems were in place to protect people from abuse and harm and staff knew how to use them.
Staff understood the needs of the people they were supporting. Staff were appropriately trained and skilled. They received a thorough induction when they started working for the service. Relatives and visiting professionals were positive about the skills of staff, with comments including, “Staff are very skilled and knowledgeable. The level of expertise and training is what makes the difference”
Staff demonstrated a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as the values and philosophy of the service.
There was a strong management team in the service and the registered manager was clear how they expected staff to support people. The provider assessed and monitored the quality of care. The service encouraged feedback from people and their relatives, which they used to make improvements.