30 May 2019
During a routine inspection
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
People’s experience of using this service:
People were safe and protected from avoidable harm because staff knew how to identify and report any concerns relating to the risk of abuse. Risks to people`s health, safety and well-being were assessed, and measures developed to remove or reduce the risks. People were supported by enough staff who had been safely recruited through a robust process. People’s medicines were managed safely. Staff had received training in infection control practices and personal protective equipment such as gloves and aprons was provided for them. The management team took appropriate actions following any incidents and learning was shared with staff.
The provider undertook assessments to make sure people`s needs could be met by Ambito Community Services Hertfordshire. Care plans were developed from these assessments for each person’s identified needs and staff had clear guidance on how to meet those needs. Staff received training and support to help them to carry out their roles effectively. Staff supported people with their nutritional needs to help maintain their health and wellbeing. Staff and management knew people well and could promptly identify when people`s needs changed, and they sought professional advice appropriately. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.
People’s relatives praised the kind and caring nature of staff. People received consistent care from a small team of staff. People’s care records were held securely in a locked cabinet within a locked office to help promote confidentiality.
People received care and support as they wished and needed. People’s relatives told us they would be confident to raise any concerns with the management team. Everyone we spoke with during this inspection was satisfied with the care and support provided for people.
The management team was committed to providing a high standard of care to the people they supported as well as the staff team and understood their responsibilities under the Duty of Candour. People’s relatives and staff members spoke highly of the registered manager and told us that they were always available and supportive. People told us that they were often asked for their views about the quality of the service.
Rating at last inspection: This was the first inspection of this service since registering with the Care Quality Commission in May 2018.
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk