Archived: The Octagon

Updated 4 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 announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small, and people are often out, and we wanted to be sure there would be people at home to speak with us.

Inspection activity took place to the service 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 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 three 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 three members of staff, a team leader, the registered manager and the locality manager.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two 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 4 September 2019

About the service:

The Octagon provides accommodation for people requiring personal care who have a learning disability. At the time of this inspection the service was providing accommodation and personal care to six people with learning disabilities and other complex needs.

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 were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.

People's experience of using this service:

People were safe and supported by a staff team who knew them well. Staff were able to recognise potential signs of abuse and the registered manager was aware of the process to follow should an allegation be made. People received appropriate 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 associated with the control and spread of infection and the accommodation was suitable to provide a homely environment.

Staff understood, and protected people's rights and people were treated as individuals. People were encouraged to be as independent as they were able. Staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals to ensure people’s needs were met.

People had opportunities to engage in activities that were of interest to them.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were well supported and well trained. People told us that staff were kind and people 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, meaning they could tell when someone was unhappy 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 proactive to ensure the service met the needs of the people they supported. The service had good community links that promoted inclusion.

Rating at last inspection:

The service was rated Good at the last inspection in November 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.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for The Octagon on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.