Archived: White Horse Care Trust - 89 Pavenhill

89 Pavenhill provides accommodation including personal care for up to three people with a learning disability and associated health needs. The service is one of many, run by the White Horse Care Trust, within Wiltshire and Swindon. At the time of our inspection two people were living in the home. The home is on one level with a communal lounge, dining and kitchen area.

The inspection took place on 14 January 2016. This was announced inspection which meant the provider knew the day before we would be visiting. This was because the people living in the home often accessed the community and we wanted to make sure they would at home during our visit. We also wanted to make sure the manager would be available to support our inspection, or someone who could act on their behalf. During our last inspection in January 2014 we found the provider had satisfied the legal requirements in all of the areas that we looked at.

A registered manager was employed by the service. The registered manager was not present during our inspection. The day to day running of the service is overseen by an acting manager who is supported by the registered manager. 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.

People told us they liked living at Pavenhill and enjoyed attending various activities both within the home and their local community. People had developed caring relationships with staff and were treated with dignity and respect. People were actively involved with their community and had developed friendships and positive relationships with people living locally.

Staff were knowledgeable about the rights of people to make their own choices and decisions. This was reflected in the way their care plans were written and the way in which staff supported and encouraged people to make decisions when delivering care and support. Staff and the acting manager had an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

Staff had received training in how to recognise and report abuse. There was an open and transparent culture in the home and all staff were clear about how to report any concerns they had. Staff were confident that the acting manager would respond appropriately to any concerns raised. The acting manager was aware of their responsibility to respond to all safeguarding concerns and report them to the relevant agencies.

There were systems in place to ensure that staff received appropriate support, guidance and training. Staff received training which was considered mandatory by the provider and in addition, more specific training based upon people’s needs. During the inspection, there were sufficient staff available to support people effectively. Staff spent time with people and responded to their requests for support.

Arrangements were in place for keeping the home clean and hygienic to ensure people were protected from the risk of infections. During our visit we observed that bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas were clean and tidy and free from odours.

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place for the safe management of medicines.

The provider, registered manager and acting manager had systems in place to monitor the quality of service. People using the service were encouraged to share their views on the care and support they received.

There were systems in place to respond to any emergencies. Staff had access to a 24 hour on call system to enable them to seek advice in an emergency.