Archived: Carlton Gate

Updated 5 December 2018

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Prior to carrying out this inspection, we asked the provider to complete a provider information return (PIR). This is a form which asks the provider to tell us what they think they are doing well and their plans to develop the service. We reviewed information held about the service including statutory notifications sent to us by the provider. Statutory notifications include information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. We used this information to plan our inspection.

This comprehensive inspection took place on 23 October 2018 and was unannounced. One adult social care inspector completed the on-site inspection.

We spoke with two people using the service, three members of care staff, a regional manager and the service manager during the inspection.

During the inspection we looked at records of care and support for two people using the service including medicines administration records (MAR). We looked at records of recruitment and supervision for three members of staff and records relating to the management of the service, such as audits, training records, health and safety documents, policies and staff communications.

Updated 5 December 2018

This comprehensive inspection took place on 23 October 2018 and was unannounced.

Carlton Gate consists of two ground floor properties providing accommodation and personal care for adults with learning disabilities. The two properties, Florey Lodge and Barnard Lodge are identical, each having three bedrooms, shared bathroom facilities, a communal lounge/dining area and a kitchen. People have access to several small courtyard gardens shared with other flats within the complex. The service provides accommodation and personal care for up to six adults with learning disabilities. At the time of our visit there were two people living at Barnard Lodge. Florey Lodge was closed awaiting refurbishments.

At our previous inspection of Carlton Gate on 8 March 2016 we rated the service ‘good’ overall. You can read the report from our last inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for Carlton Gate - Care Home Learning Disabilities on our website at www.cqc.org.uk. At this inspection we found people continued to receive good care and support. We rated the service good overall.

The manager in post had applied to become the registered manager of the service. '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.

The provider had systems in place to assess and meet people's care needs in a way which suited them. Where appropriate, people, relatives and healthcare professionals contributed to the care planning process. Care plans were reviewed as people's needs changed.

Risks in relation to people’s safety were identified and managed through the implementation of a risk assessment process. Risk assessments were reviewed in line with the provider’s policies and procedures.

The provider had safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Staff demonstrated a good understanding and awareness of how to keep people safe from harm.

People using the service were being protected from improper treatment. The provider made sure that people's capacity was assessed when needed and that care was delivered in people's best interests.

Staff respected people’s choices and requested people’s consent before offering them support.

People were treated with dignity and respect. Staff supported people in a kind and compassionate manner.

Staff gathered information and took account of people's cultural needs and preferences to ensure staff supported people in an appropriate manner.

People's medicines were managed safely. Staff completed appropriate medicines training and competency assessments before carrying out medicines related tasks and were confident supporting people with their medicines.

People were supported to have sufficient amounts of nutritious food and drink to meet their needs. Mealtimes were organised in a way that promoted people’s choices and preferences.

People had access to healthcare professionals to monitor and maintain their health care needs. Staff supported people to attend medical appointments.

The service was complying with the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). The AIS applies to people using the service who have information and communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss.

Staff were employed following a thorough recruitment process. Staff were receiving appropriate support and training to enable them to carry out the duties they were employed to perform.

Sufficient numbers of staff were deployed to the service in order to meet people's needs.

Audits were carried out to ensure the environment and people were safe. The home was clean and tidy and staff were following correct infection control procedures.

Staff told us that incidents, accidents, concerns and complaints were discussed at team meetings and in supervision sessions with a view to promoting understanding and learning.