Ellasdale Road

Updated 17 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 26 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 17 April 2021

Ellasdale road is a care home service. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism who used the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

Ellasdale road provides accommodation and personal care for up to six people who have learning disabilities and some associated physical and/or sensory disabilities. Each person had a large bedroom with shared bathroom facilities.

This is the service’s first inspection. They were previously registered under a different provider; however, the same people were living at the service and most staff had continued their employment with this provider.

The service 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.

Although quality audits were completed regularly, they had not identified some inconsistencies we found. Mental capacity documentation did not reflect the views of the person or how the decision was made that they lacked capacity. Some people whose support needs involved restrictive practises, did not have mental capacity assessments specific to these.

People were safe. There were detailed and person-centred risk assessments for people and the environment to ensure they and the building remained safe. People received their medicines from competent and trained staff in the way they were prescribed. Staff had a good knowledge and understanding about potential risks and were aware of the process to follow if they suspected anyone was at risk of abuse. We found accidents and incidents were responded to in a timely way and actions taken to ensure they did not reoccur. Staff were recruited safely and there were suitable numbers to meet people’s needs.

Staff had the skills and knowledge to support people and meet all their needs. They received an in-depth induction into the service and company, where they learned about people, their preferences and routines. Further support was provided in regular training, supervisions, appraisals and team meetings. People’s nutritional and health needs were met. Where concerns were identified, additional support was sought from health and social care professionals.

Everyone we spoke to felt that staff were kind and caring. We observed interactions between people and staff to be warm and genuine. It was clear that staff enjoyed working with people. People's dignity, independence and privacy was promoted. Staff knew people, their preferences and support needs well.

Care plans were tailored to individual needs and highlighted areas where additional support was required. People had their own key-worker; this was a named member of staff who had a central role in their lives and would oversee their support needs and care plans. Staff knew people’s communication and emotional support needs very well. People had their own individual activity timetables that were person centred to their interests and hobbies. They had control over what they wanted to do each day. People’s wishes and goals were linked in with activities and regularly reviewed with people. No formal complaints had been raised, however there was a clear and accessible complaints policy and relatives told us they had no concerns raising issues.

Staff, relatives and professionals spoke highly of the registered manager and felt they were professional, supportive and a strong leader. There was a strong emphasis on working together to achieve mutual goals and an open, transparent, supportive culture was promoted.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.