134 Ashland Road

Updated 26 September 2020

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.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

This inspection took place on 13 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 26 September 2020

About the service

134 Ashland Road provides accommodation and personal care for up to 10 people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. At the time of our inspection seven people were living at the service. The service is one adapted ground floor building.

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's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

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

People felt safe living at the home. People followed safe procedures when greeting visitors. Risks were assessed, monitored and managed. Sufficient numbers of staff were employed with appropriate skills and competencies. Medicine protocols and best practice were followed. Systems were in place to ensure lessons were learned when things went wrong.

People’s diverse needs were assessed and included protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Staff were supported to undertake relevant training to do their job. People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink. The registered manager implemented change when required. The service worked alongside and also shared relevant information with other professionals to ensure people got the most effective care.

The premises were adapted to meet people’s needs. Where required new equipment was purchased to make sure people were responded to in a more effective way. People’s bedrooms were decorated to reflect their personality. The service was following the principles of the Mental Capacity Act.

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 home was calm, relaxed and homely. People were supported to express and share their views. People were treated with respect and dignity and encouraged to make informed choices. Staff asked permission before they provided care and treatment.

People were supported to maintain relationships, avoid isolation and achieve their goals. With an excellent opportunity to participate in group and individual activities. Staff and the management team worked with passion and dedication to ensure people achieve good outcomes and including people’s individual needs that related to their protected equality characteristics. End of life wishes were arranged with contributions of people and their families.

People’s communication support plans had accessible information. End of life plans were comprehensive and accessible, with contributions from people and their families. This had been sustained since their last inspection. There was an open and transparent culture when dealing with complaints.

The service was well-led. Auditing and quality monitoring were robust and covered every aspect of the service. This ensured areas that required attention were acted upon. This provided a positive open and transparent culture. The manager and staff team were proactive, responsive and supported people to continually achieve and develop throughout their time at the home.

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

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was good (23 August 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.