Background to this inspection
Updated
22 February 2022
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 COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.
This inspection took place on 01 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.
Updated
22 February 2022
About the service:
1 Newlands Drive is a 'care home' that provides accommodation and personal care for up to 13 people who have a learning disability and/or mental health support needs. Two domestic style properties had been adapted and adjoined. Three people lived in one property and seven people lived in the other property. People on either side of the home had access to their own front door, communal living areas, kitchen and laundry facilities as well as well-maintained garden areas. The care home is in a residential area of Wallasey, there were no identifiable signs to suggest it was a care home and people had access to the local community and amenities.
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.
The service was a large home, somewhat bigger than most domestic style properties. However, due to the adaptations that had taken place, the size of the service was not having a negative impact on people who were living there.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Quality assurance measures were in place although these were not always effective. The manager was aware of the improvements that were required and told us they were committed to making a positive difference in this area. We have made a recommendation in relation to overall governance and quality assurance processes.
Risk management and safety monitoring procedures were in place. People’s level of risk was managed and supported by staff who were familiar with their support needs.
A recent recruitment drive meant that staffing levels had started to improve; people were receiving support from Newlands Drive staff and regular agency staff who were familiar with people’s support needs. Recruitment systems were in place; although a recent recruitment audit identified areas of development that were required.
Staff told us that they received support from the manager, supervisions and appraisals were also scheduled in with each member of staff. A variety of different mandatory and bespoke training courses were also provided.
Safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures were in place. Staff knew how to report their concerns and understood the importance of keeping people safe.
Safe medication procedures were in place. Staff received medication training, regularly had their competency levels checked and supported people with their medicines in a safe and effective way.
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, providing new skills and maintaining independence.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Care records contained relevant nutrition and hydration information, that staff needed to follow. risks were effectively managed, and staff provided the relevant care and support people required.
We observed staff providing kind, friendly and compassionate care. It was evident throughout the inspection that staff knew people well and were able to provide a person-centred level of support that people needed.
Staff primarily supported people with one to one activities however ‘group’ activities were taking place when this was requested. Activities were specifically tailored and centred around people’s individual hobbies and interests.
The registered provider had an up to date complaints policy in place. Complaints were appropriately managed and responded to in line with company policy.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update:
The last rating for this service was ‘good’ (published 3 July 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.