Background to this inspection
Updated
13 March 2021
The inspection
This was a targeted inspection to check whether the provider had shared learning from a specific concern across the organisation. We will assess all of the key questions at the next comprehensive inspection of the service.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The team consisted of one inspector.
Service and service type
The Orchards is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. 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 inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority. 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 of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with four people who used the service about their experience of care provided. We spoke with the service manager, regional director and three members of care staff. We reviewed three staff files and information held in relation to safeguarding.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at audits, quality assurance records, support plans and an investigation report.
Updated
13 March 2021
About the service
The Orchards provides accommodation, care and support for up to five people with a learning disability. There were four people living at the service on the day of inspection.
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 and/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 was appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People, their relatives and professionals were complimentary about The Orchards. One relative said, “They [staff] are outstanding, they really look after [person].” A professional commented, “The staff seem a nice bunch there and people seem to have a good rapport with the staff.”
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
People were cared for by staff who knew how to keep them safe and protect them from avoidable harm. Staff were recruited safely and there were enough staff to meet people’s individual needs. People’s medicines were managed safely. Incidents and accidents were investigated, and actions were taken to prevent recurrence. The environment was clean and comfortable.
People's needs were assessed, and support was planned to ensure that it promoted positive outcomes for people. Staff received relevant training, support and supervision to enable them to carry out their roles and responsibilities. People were involved in the planning and preparation of meals. Staff worked well with external professionals to promote people’s health and wellbeing.
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.
People were cared for by staff who knew them well and were kind and compassionate. Positive relationships had been formed between staff and people using the service.
People were supported by competent staff who supported them according to their needs and preferences. People were very involved in how the service was run and encouraged to be as independent as possible. They had the choice to participate in activities which promoted a good quality of life. People's views were listened to and action was taken to improve the service as a result.
There was no registered manager in post, however, the team leader had good oversight of the service and was visible and approachable. There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. The team leader and staff engaged well with other services and had developed positive relationships.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 24 November 2016).
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.