Ann Coleman Centre

Updated 4 April 2020

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

The Ann Coleman Centre is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because we knew that some people found it upsetting when unannounced visitors came to their home. By giving short notice, staff were able to plan activities to support people during our visit.

What we did before the inspection

Before the inspection we reviewed the information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included the statutory notifications the provider had sent to CQC. These notifications provide information about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.

We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with two people who used the service. Some people living at the service were unable to communicate verbally. We used observation throughout our inspection to help us understand their experiences.

We spoke with six members of staff, including the registered manager, assistant manager and administration manager. We reviewed a range of records. This included everyone’s care records and medicines records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. We checked a variety of records relating to the management of the service. This included policies and procedures, quality assurance and health and safety documents.

We considered this information to help us to make a judgement about the service.

After the inspection

After the inspection, we reviewed additional information and policies. We spoke with two relatives and two professionals who had contact with the service to find out more about the service. Their comments have been incorporated into this report.

Updated 4 April 2020

About the service

The Ann Coleman Centre is a care home providing personal care and support for up to seven people who have learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions or additional needs. Five people were living there at the time of the inspection.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them. The building was larger than most domestic properties, which meant it did not meet current best practice guidance, but had been a well-respected part of the local community for many years.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People and their relatives told us they were happy with the care received at the Ann Coleman Centre. Staff were kind and caring towards people, and people appeared relaxed and comfortable.

People were protected from the risk of harm or abuse. Staff received training and had a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. Risks to people were assessed to ensure needs were safely met. Risks relating to the environment and equipment were regularly assessed to ensure these were safe.

People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. Staff received training to ensure they were competent in administering and managing medicines.

People were supported by regular staff, and there were no vacancies at the time of our inspection. The provider followed safe recruitment practices and ensured pre-employment checks were completed before new staff started working at the service. Staff were supported through induction, training, regular supervision and ongoing contact with peers and managers.

People's care and support needs were assessed before they came to the service. Care records were person-centred and gave information about individual needs and preferences. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

People were treated with dignity and respect and were able to spend time in private if they wished. People and their relatives were consulted about care needs and people were supported to be as independent as possible. People were supported to develop and maintain relationships and engage in activities they enjoyed.

Staff supported people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet which met their needs and preferences. Staff worked with other professionals to ensure people received healthcare and support which met their needs.

The service was well led by experienced and respected managers. Staff felt supported by the management team and there was a commitment to the service from the staff we met. Quality and performance were monitored, and feedback about the service was requested. Actions taken when lessons could be learned, or improvements made.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Good (published 02 September 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.