Summerson House

Updated 5 February 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

An inspector completed this inspection.

Service and service type

Summerson House is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care. 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

This was an unannounced inspection.

What we did

We reviewed information we had received about the service, which included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. 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 the information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We met four people who used the service. People had limited verbal communication skills so we observed their care and telephoned three relatives to talk about their experience of the care and support provided. We spoke with the registered manager, five care staff and healthcare professionals who visit the service.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people's care records, medication records and various records related to recruitment, staff training and supervision, and the management of the service.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 5 February 2020

About the service

Summerson House is a care home which provides residential care for up to six people who are living with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection six people were using the service.

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 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.

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

The registered manager and staff consistently demonstrated they valued and respected the people who used the service. The staff were passionate about supporting people to engage in meaningful activities and lead lives with meaning. The staff team had been trained to use positive behaviour support (PBS) and had fully implemented these techniques. Staff found this approach greatly reduced individual’s distress and enhanced people’s quality of life.

We found staff were committed to delivering a service which was person-centred. 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.

Staff took steps to safeguard vulnerable adults and promoted their human rights. Incidents were dealt with appropriately and lessons were learnt, which helped to keep people safe. People's support needs were thoroughly assessed. Staff actively promoted equality and diversity within the home.

Staff supported people to manage their healthcare needs and promoted their wellbeing. When necessary, external professionals were involved in individuals care. The staff supported people to eat varied appetizing meals. Medicine was administered in a safe manner.

Thorough checks were completed prior to staff being employed to work at the service. Staff had received appropriate training and supervision. The provider had enabled staff to access a varied and extensive range of condition specific training. The registered manager and staff had found the range of training they received assisted them to significantly improve people’s quality of life.

People’s voices were of paramount importance in the service. The registered manager understood how to investigate and resolve complaints.

The service was well run. Systems were in place, which effectively monitored how the service operated and ensured staff delivered appropriate care and treatment.

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

Rating at last inspection

Good (report published 26 January 2019).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

Follow up

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