Archived: Next Stage - A Way Forward

Updated 2 May 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 checked 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.

This comprehensive inspection was carried out 22 February 2018 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we needed to be sure that someone would be in.

Before the inspection we contacted the local authority. They told us that they had no concerns about the service. We looked at all of the information that CQC had received about and from the service since the last inspection. This included notifications about issues that had happened in the service.

The manager had completed a provider information return. A provider information return is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what they do well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection we spoke with three people using the service, the registered manager, administrator, learning disability service manager and five care staff. We visited one transitional house observing how people were supported and observed their interactions with staff in order to understand their experience.

We spent time looking at records, including six people’s care records, five staff files and other records relating to the management of the service, such as policies and procedures, accident/incident recording and audit documentation.

Updated 2 May 2018

Next Stage - A Way Forward is registered to provide a support service to adults who require care, support or supervision to be able to be actively involved in the day-to-day routine of living. They also assist people in caring for themselves, while always looking to promote independence. The office is based in Warrington close to the town centre. The service also has two transitional units that are aimed to supporting people back into the community.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good. At this inspection we found the service remained good, however we found a rating of requires improvement in the safe domain. We found medication procedures at the home were safe, however we identified a recording issue regarding medication and staff were not always aware of procedures when to update office staff regarding on-going safeguarding issues.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems the service had supported this practice.

We spoke with the people who received a service from Next Stage - A Way Forward and all gave positive feedback about the support and the staff who gave it. People were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and participate in activities they enjoyed.

Care plans and risk assessments were person centred and detailed how people wished and needed to be supported. They were regularly reviewed and updated as required. Care plans showed that people's GPs and other healthcare professionals were contacted for advice about people’s health needs whenever necessary. We saw the service had responded promptly when people had experienced health problems.

The provider and registered manager used different methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. These included regular audits of the service, ‘Service User Forum’ and staff meetings to seek the views of people and staff about the service. The providers were also involved in the running of the service.

The services policies and procedures had been regularly reviewed by the provider and these included policies on health and safety, confidentiality, mental capacity, medication, whistle blowing and safeguarding.

Staff were recruited safely and there was evidence that staff received a proper induction and suitable training to do their job role effectively. All staff had been supervised in their role. Staffing levels were consistent and were adapted to meet people’s needs.

The service operated in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). It was clear from care records and discussions with people that their consent was always sought in relation to care and treatment and people understood how to make a complaint if they were dissatisfied with the service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.