Pines

Updated 8 December 2020

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 care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 25 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 8 December 2020

Pines is a residential care home for up to seven young people and adults with autism and severe learning difficulties, often accompanied by complex needs. The accommodation is on two levels and there is access to a garden area and outside space.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring, that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

We found systems and processes were in place to keep people safe. Staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding people they cared for and assessed risks to their health and safety. Measures were in place to reduce these risks and people were supported to stay safe, whilst not unnecessarily restricting their freedom. Incidents and accidents were reported and the management team completed a detailed analysis and investigation to reduce the risk of similar incidents happening again. All incidents were reviewed on a weekly basis by a multi-disciplinary team.

Medicines were managed effectively and safely. The premises and environment was well maintained and the required safety checks were completed. Infection prevention and control was effectively managed.

Staff received appropriate training for their role and they were supported to further develop their knowledge and skills. People’s needs were assessed and care was delivered in line with national guidance. Care plans contained detailed information about each person’s individual support and their preferences. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. When people were unable to make decisions about their care and support, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) were followed.

Although most people were unable to fully express themselves verbally, they clearly enjoyed living at the home and appeared to be relaxed and happy. Staff had developed caring relationships with people and treated them with kindness and respect. People felt able to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

People continued to receive care that was responsive to their individual needs. Staff had a detailed knowledge of the people they cared for and were able to recognise subtle cues from people that enabled them to respond effectively to their needs and wishes. People led full and active lives. They engaged in a wide range of activities based on their personal choices. People were treated equally, without discrimination and information was presented to them in a way they could understand.

The registered manager and deputy manager provided good leadership and support to staff. The provider had put processes in place to support the manager and staff. The views of staff, people using the service and relatives were actively sought and listened to. Quality audits and governance processes were in place to enable continuous improvement in the quality of the service provided and to ensure that learning was shared.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.