Archived: Hilderstone Road

Updated 13 September 2019

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

The inspection team consisted of one inspector.

Service and service type

This service provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

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.

The inspection site visit took place on 4 July 2019, and a call to a relative took place on 19 July 2019.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as allegations of abuse. 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 this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We met two people who used the service. Staff supported people to communicate their views with us, and we also received feedback from a relative following the inspection.

We spoke with two members of care staff, a team leader, the registered manager and the locality manager.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 13 September 2019

About the service

Hilderstone road provides personal care for people who have a learning disability. At the time of this inspection the service was providing personal care to seven people with learning disabilities and other complex needs.

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 is appropriate and inclusive for them.

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

People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff were able to recognise potential signs of abuse and the registered manager was aware of their responsibilities should an allegation be made. People received support to receive their medicines when they needed them. Risks to people were assessed and plans were in place to help keep people safe.

People were protected from the risks of infection.

People had their needs and choices assessed and were supported by trained staff. The service ensured people had enough to eat and drink and catered for different dietary requirements. People were supported to access healthcare services when necessary and 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.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were well supported and trained. People and their relatives told us that staff were kind and were supported with respect and understanding.

There was a complaints procedure in place which was also available in an easy read format. Staff knew people well and were able to tell when someone was anxious or uncomfortable.

Regular audits of the service showed people received good outcomes and a safe and well managed service. The management team were approachable and worked to ensure the service met the needs of the people they supported. The service had good links within the community that promoted inclusion.

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.

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.

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

Rating at last inspection:

The service was rated Good at the last inspection in December 2016 (published January 2017).

Why we inspected:

This was a scheduled inspection based on the previous rating.

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.