Background to this inspection
Updated
20 May 2015
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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
The inspection team consisted of an inspector and a specialist advisor with experience of supporting people with complex needs. Before the inspection we checked the information that we held about the service and the service provider. We looked at notifications sent to us by the provider. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law.
During the inspection, we spoke with three people, four relatives, one senior support worker, two support workers, the cook, the registered manager and the director of Adult Social Care. We observed care practice, including the use of hoists and two physiotherapy exercise sessions, undertaken by care staff. We also observed the lunchtime routine, the administration of medicines as well as the verbal and physical interactions between the young people and staff, throughout the day.
We looked at documentation, which included three people’s care records, staff training files and records relating to the management of the service.
This was the first inspection of this location since the registration was changed from children to young adults. This service was registered by CQC on 6 June 2014. We found that no concerns had been raised regarding the service during this time.
Updated
20 May 2015
We inspected Willows Bungalow on 3 February 2015. This was an unannounced inspection. Willows Bungalow is one of two, purpose built, residential services for young adults aged over 19, with complex neuro-disabilities. The location forms part of the innovative 'Futures' project, which was developed to support young people with disabilities gain life skills in preparation for their 'transition' into adulthood. On the day of our inspection there were seven people living in the bungalow.
A registered manager was in post. 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 legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
There were procedures in place to keep people safe and there were sufficient staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Personal risk assessments relating to specific areas, such as choking and swallowing, were in place.
Safe recruitment procedures were followed and staff said that they undertook an induction programme which included shadowing an experienced member of staff.
Staff were appropriately trained and told us they had completed training in safe working practices and were trained to meet the specific and complex care and support needs of people. They were knowledgeable about people’s needs. Care was provided with patience and kindness and people’s privacy and dignity were respected.
Medicines were stored and administered safely and handled by staff who had received appropriate training to help ensure safe practice.
People’s nutritional needs were assessed and records were accurately maintained to ensure people were protected from risks associated with eating and drinking.
People and their relatives told us and records confirmed that meeting social needs was promoted and activities reflected people’s individual interests and preferences. People were regularly supported to access facilities and amenities in the local community.
The registered manager assessed and monitored the quality of care. Surveys were carried out for people and satisfaction questionnaires were used to obtain the views of relatives and other stakeholders. Audits and checks were carried out to monitor and address a number of areas such as health and safety and medication.