This was an unannounced inspection carried out on the 11 February 2015. At the last inspection in June 2013 we found the provider met the regulations we looked at.
Errol House is registered to provide accommodation for up to five people who have a learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder or a sensory impairment. It is in the historic village of Boston Spa, which has good local amenities, and is short distance from the market town of Wetherby. Harrogate, York and Leeds and the surrounding area can be easily accessed from the service.
At the time of this inspection the home had a registered manager. 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
There were good systems and processes in place to protect people from the risk of harm and make sure care was delivered safely. We saw a person who used the service was comfortable and relaxed with staff. Parents of a person who used the service and those planning to use the service said they had no concerns about the safety of their family member.
We found people were cared for, or supported by, sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and experienced staff. Robust recruitment and selection procedures were in place. Staff received the training and support required to meet people’s needs.
People received their prescribed medication when they needed it and appropriate arrangements were in place for the storage and disposal of medicines. Staff were trained in medication management.
People’s needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in line with their individual support plans which described their needs, preferences and wishes well. Staff had good relationships with the people using the service. Staff knew how to respect people’s privacy and dignity.
Staff were trained in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The provider had identified anyone thought to be at risk of having their liberty deprived and made suitable arrangements to assess this.
Staff said they received good support and training to enable them to carry out their role. They spoke positively about the leadership of the management team; saying they were approachable. They said they had confidence in the registered manager if ever they reported any concerns.
Suitable arrangements were in place and people were supported and provided with a choice of suitable healthy food and drink ensuring their nutritional needs were met. A good range of activity was available to people who used the service, both in the home and the wider community.
Health, care and support needs were monitored, assessed and met by contact with health professionals as needed.
Overall, records showed that provider investigated and responded to people’s complaints, according to the provider’s complaints procedure.
There were effective systems in place to manage, monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. The provider and manager showed a commitment to seeking feedback on the service in order for it to continually improve.