Background to this inspection
Updated
27 July 2019
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in their own homes in a number of supported living settings and an extra care facility, so they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with this service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We visited and spoke with eight people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with the registered manager, administrative staff, three service managers and 11 care staff, including seniors.
We reviewed a range of records. This included six people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at five staff files in relation to recruitment and a further four with regard to training and supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including audits, policies and procedures, health and safety information and surveys were also reviewed.
After the inspection
After the inspection we spoke with a further four people who used the service to gain their views of the support. We also contacted three health and social care professionals who visited the service regularly to determine their experience of the provision.
Updated
27 July 2019
About the service
Mediline is a service which supports adults who have a learning disability through supported living and domiciliary care provision. The head office is located in the Standish area of Wigan, Lancashire. At the time of the inspection the service supported approximately 91 people in a mixture of extra care and supported living services.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People felt safe at the service and systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse or exploitation. Risks were assessed and measures put in place to minimise the risks. Staff were recruited safely and there were sufficient staff to meet the needs of people who used the service.
Staff were trained to administer medicines safely and regular checks were carried out to ensure systems remained safe. Measures were in place to help prevent the spread of infection.
People’s needs had been assessed appropriately and support plans included appropriate information. Staff had an appropriate induction and ongoing training throughout their employment.
People were supported to have a healthy and balanced diet and specific needs were adhered to. Staff worked with other agencies to help ensure joined up and consistent care.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
People told us they were happy with their support and were treated with respect. The service worked closely with people and their families to help ensure understanding of their specific needs.
A range of activities was undertaken by people who used the service. These included attending social groups and events within the wider community.
Complaints were recorded and responded to appropriately. People were encouraged to share their wishes for when they were nearing the end of their lives.
There was a clear management structure and line management responsibilities. Staff described the management as approachable and supportive.
Audits and checks were carried out to help inform improvement to care delivery. The health and social care professionals we spoke with were positive about their working relationships with the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 30 March 2016). Since this rating was awarded the provider has altered its legal entity. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection .
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.