The Care Quality Commission

Archived: HF Trust - Ash & Birch

72b Broad Street, Clifton, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5RP (01462) 814196

Provided and run by:
HF Trust Limited

All Inspections

13 February 2013

During a routine inspection

People we spoke with during our inspection of HF Trust ' Ash and Birch were very happy with the care and support they received. One person said, 'The staff are friendly and support me, I like living here. It feels like my home.' We saw that people were comfortable with the staff and enjoyed their company.

We saw from the records that people, or their representatives, had been as involved as they were able to be, in making decisions about how they lived their daily lives. Care records showed that 'best interests' meetings, undertaken in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, had been held in order to determine people's decision making capacity.

Care records showed that people's preferences were taken into account. Care plans were positive, 'person centred' and gave staff clear details about the care and support each person needed. Assessments of risk had been undertaken and plans put in place to minimise the risks. People were supported to attend appointments with healthcare professionals in order to maintain good health.

The premises were maintained well and records showed that safety, in particular fire safety, was closely monitored. Staff received a range of training and felt well supported so that they were properly equipped to do their job. The manager told us, 'It's a good [staff] team ' very dedicated.' Staff knew how to support people if they raised or had any concerns.

13 December 2011

During a routine inspection

People that we spoke with during our visit to Ash and Birch on the 13 December 2011 told us that they were happy and felt safe living there, and that the staff that looked after them were all helpful and friendly and treated them with respect.

People looked clean and well groomed, and where people needed support or assistance with personal care this was done in the privacy of their bedroom to protect their dignity.

We observed that people were given choices and encouraged to make decisions about all aspects of their lives, including how they spent their time and what they had to eat.

Everyone who lived at Ash and Birch had the opportunity to attend day centres or college courses, however if people preferred not to do this their decision was respected, and alternative activities were available or arranged for them.