Goddard Avenue (145)

Updated 16 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 the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

This inspection took place on 26 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 16 December 2020

Goddard Avenue (145) provides care and accommodation for up to 12 people. The home is comprised of two separate adjoining houses. Each house provided six single bedrooms for people who have a learning disability and/or mental health support needs. At the time of our inspection there were twelve people using the service. The adjoining houses each had their own kitchen and communal areas. They both shared an adjoining garden.

This inspection took place on the 29 October 2018 and was announced.

The service has 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 a legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good in all domains. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Staff had a good understanding of how to safeguard the people they supported. The registered provider had safeguarding policies and procedures in place that staff understood and felt confident about raising any concern they had.

Staff had been recruited safely, were appropriately trained and supported. They had skills, knowledge and the experience required to support people and provide the care they needed.

People lived in a service which was kept clean and tidy. People were encouraged to help with cleaning the service and their own private areas of the accommodation.

Medicines were managed safely in accordance with best practice guidelines. There were medicines policies and procedures in place that offered clear guidance to staff. Medicines training had been completed and staff had their competency regularly assessed.

Risks to people's safety were identified and action taken to keep people as safe as possible. Accidents and incidents were reviewed and measures implemented to reduce the risk of them happening again.

People had their needs assessed before they were supported by the service. This information was used to develop person centred care plans and risk assessments that reflected people's individual needs and preferences.

People could make choices about the food they ate and were supported to maintain a healthy diet. People were supported to maintain good health and to obtain treatment when they needed it.

The registered manager ensured there was sufficient staffing levels in place to provide support people required. People had one to one support to enable them to attend appointments or pursue activities of their choice.

Staff were kind, caring and compassionate. People had positive relationships with the staff who supported them and there was a homely, caring atmosphere in the home. Staff treated people with respect and maintained their dignity. People were supported to make choices about their care and to maintain relationships with their friends and families.

The registered provider had audit systems in place that were used to highlight areas of development and improvement within the service. Feedback was regularly sought from people, relatives, staff, as well as health and social care professionals.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.