28 March 2017
During a routine inspection
1-3 Edward Street is a purpose built care home providing personal care and accommodation for up to six people who have a physical disability. The service consists of two linked bungalows each accommodating three people. The home is located in a residential area of Widnes and is within easy access of the local amenities. The property is owned by a housing trust and managed by Scope.
At the last inspection undertaken on 24 November and 2 December 2014, the service was rated as Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
People continued to be safe at Edward Street. Staff knew how to protect people from the risk of abuse or harm. They followed appropriate guidance to minimise identified risks to people's health, safety and welfare. There were enough staff to keep people safe. The registered manager told us there were current staff vacancies and they were recruiting new staff. When recruitment was complete this would improve the flexibility of support available for outside activities.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff received appropriate training and were supported by the registered manager through supervision and meetings, to enable them to meet people's needs effectively.
We observed positive and caring relationship between staff and people using the service. People spoken with confirmed that they were treated in a kind and caring manner. The privacy and dignity of people was supported by the approach of staff.
People had personalised support plans which set out how their care and support needs should be met by staff. These had all been re-written and were reviewed regularly. Staff communicated with people using their preferred methods of communication. We found that they had developed a good understanding of people's needs, preferences and wishes. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible and work towards their goals and aspirations.
People participated in activities and events to meet their social and physical needs. The registered manager told us that this was an area they were developing and aimed to increase the range and flexibility of outings and activities people participated in. People’s feedback was sought about how improvements could be made to the service. People spoken with told us that they knew how to complain should they need to.
Good management and leadership continued to be demonstrated. Staff were motivated and positive about the management of the service and told us that they could approach the registered manager with any concerns. The registered manager told us they were working towards a service improvement plan and had been working collaboratively with the local authority. Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the service.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.