This inspection took place on 1 June 2017 and was unannounced. At our last inspection in June 2015, we found the provider was meeting the regulations we inspected.
The Beeches (Seven Kings) is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to ten people with a history of mental illness. At the time of our visit, eight people were using the service including one person who was not well and was in hospital.
There was a registered manager in place. 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.
During our visit, we found the provider was failing in its duty to ensure people, staff and visitors to the service were safe as we identified a number of health and safety concerns.
Quality assurance systems were in place and audits were regularly carried out. However, improvements were needed in those areas.
The provider had a complaints procedure available for people and their relatives to use and staff were aware of the procedure. People were able to express their views to the staff or the registered manager.
People said they felt safe living at the service and around the staff. Staff were knowledgeable about the procedures to ensure that people were protected from harm and knew how to report any potential abuse.
Risk assessments were clear and staff understood individual risks to people.
There were enough staff to meet people's needs and provide them with effective care and support. The provider ensured all new staff had the relevant checks carried out before they started working at the service. Staff received regular training and supervision.
Staff respected and maintained people's privacy and promoted their independence. They supported people to take part in their chosen activities. Staff understood people's needs and preferences. There was a system in place to ensure relevant information was passed between staff.
People were provided with a varied menu and had a choice of what they would like to eat or drink.
The staff and the registered manager had a good understanding of their role to ensure people's rights were maintained. People's consent was sought before care was provided.
People received their medicines when they needed them. They were supported to access a range of health care professionals.
Care records were detailed and up to date. They were person centred and individualised. People were involved in making decisions about their care and support.
People, relatives and staff felt the service was run well. There was an open culture within the service.
We found two breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can see what action we have told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.