Archived: MacIntyre Central England Support

MacIntyre is a charity dedicated to providing a range of teaching and learning, support and care services to people with learning disabilities through domicillary care and supported living. At the time of our inspection eight people were receiving a personal care service.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

We were greeted warmly by staff at the service who seemed genuinely pleased to see us. The registered manager checked our identity before allowing us to proceed with the inspection. The atmosphere was open and friendly.

Relatives told us people were safe. Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Staff had received regular training to make sure they stayed up to date with recognising and reporting safety concerns. The service had systems in place to notify the appropriate authorities where concerns were identified.

People were supported by staff who were knowledgeable about people’s needs and provided support with compassion and kindness. People received high quality care that was personalised and met their needs.

Where risks to people had been identified risk assessments were in place and action had been taken to reduce the risks. Staff were aware of people’s needs and followed guidance to keep them safe. People received their medicine as prescribed.

There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Staffing levels and visit schedules were consistently maintained. The service had robust recruitment procedures and conducted background checks to ensure staff were suitable for their role.

Most staff understood the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and all staff applied its principles in their work. The MCA protects the rights of people who may not be able to make particular decisions themselves. The registered manager was knowledgeable about the MCA and how to ensure the rights of people who lacked capacity were protected, this included Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs).

Relatives told us they were confident they would be listened to and action would be taken if they raised a concern. The service sought people’s and relatives opinions through regular surveys and telephone contact. The service had systems to assess the quality of the service provided. Learning needs were identified and action taken to make improvements which promoted people’s safety and quality of life. Systems were in place that ensured people were protected against the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care.

Staff spoke positively about the support they received from the registered manager. Staff supervision and meetings were scheduled as were annual appraisals. Staff told us the registered manager was approachable and there was a good level of communication within the service.

Relatives told us the service was friendly, responsive and well managed. Relatives knew the managers and staff and spoke positively about them. The service sought people’s views and opinions and acted upon them.

We found that people were involved in their care and their rights and preferences were respected. We spoke with three relatives of people who used the service. One said "my relative is very dependent on their carers. I believe they receive good care and they are well cared for. They are respected and supported'. Another said "the organisation trains it's carers to work in a very person centred way. The overall care is very, very good".

People received safe and appropriate care because the provider assessed people's needs and planned care and support appropriately. Care plans were person centred, maintained and up to date.

The provider had effective recruitment and selection procedures in place. Interviews were conducted, references were sought and background checks were carried out. All care workers undertook a period of induction training and where appropriate training that met the specific needs of people.

People were safe from abuse and the risk of abuse because the provider had taken appropriate steps to protect people. Care workers received safeguarding training and we saw that the provider worked with the appropriate agencies regarding safeguarding issues.

The provider monitored the quality of service. Audits and surveys were conducted, complaints were dealt with and accidents recorded.

The service conducted initial assessments with people who used the service to plan their care. We looked at eight care plans which contained person centred care and appropriate risk assessment. Records indicated that people or their relatives had been involved in developing care plans. Staff we spoke with said they used the care plans to identify peoples' needs and said these were up to date and regularly reviewed.

People were protected from the risk of abuse. Staff we spoke with and staff records confirmed that they had received appropriate training. Staff showed a good understanding of different types of abuse and how to respond. Records we saw showed that safeguarding alerts had been fully investigated and appropriately dealt with.

Staff we spoke with and records confirmed there was comprehensive training and supervision. One staff member said 'I feel very supported by MacIntyre'.

People were made aware of the complaints procedure which was published on the website. We saw records of complaints that had been dealt with in line with the procedure.