Updated 22 October 2024
Date of Assessment: 29 October to 4 November 2024. An assessment has been undertaken of a specialist service that is used by autistic people or people with a learning disability. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Staff understood and supported people to manage risks. There were enough staff with the right skills who had undergone specific training to support people safely. Staff managed medicines safely. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly and took action to ensure mitigation was put in place to prevent future re-occurrences. People and their relatives were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication preferences to ensure they were as involved as possible. Staff made sure as much as possible people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. People were treated with kindness. Staff protected people’s dignity and had taken steps to ensure they were not discriminated against in any way. People had choice over their care and were encouraged to use some assistive technology to maintain relationships with family and friends who did not live local. The service provided information people could understand, taking into account their sensory needs. The service worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training, health passport documentation and feedback. Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders recognised when staff needed debriefing and resting periods throughout the day, and this was always safely built into people’s support. Staff felt supported. “I would always feel safe speaking up