Milton House is a residential service providing care and support for up to 13 people with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection, there were seven people using the service. Milton House is situated in a residential area of Bedford, close to the town centre.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 10 June 2015.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Prior to our inspection we received some information of concern that alleged the service had poor staffing levels, which impacted upon staff’s ability to keep people safe. We also received concerns that the systems and processes in place for assessing people’s mental capacity were not rigorous.
During this inspection, we found there were sufficient staff members on duty, with the correct skill mix, to support people with their required care needs. People’s consent to care and treatment was sought in line with current legislation and where people’s liberty was deprived; best interest assessments had taken place.
Staff had regular supervision meetings with the registered manager to support them with training and development needs. We discussed with the registered manager and provider about alternative methods of capturing the information forthcoming from these sessions.
People’s needs were reviewed regularly to ensure that the care they received was relevant to them. Improvements were being made to the care planning systems in place, to ensure that records were more person centred for the people who used the service.
Quality assurance systems were in place and were used to obtain feedback, monitor performance and manage risks. Some formal analysis of the outcome of satisfaction questionnaires had been undertaken to ensure that people’s feedback was acted on.
People felt safe within the service. Staff knew how to identify potential abuse, and were aware of how to respond to allegations of abuse to keep people safe.
Risks to people’s safety, both within the service and in the wider community, had been assessed and were detailed clearly within people’s care plans.
The recruitment process was appropriate and ensured that suitable staff were employed to look after people safely.
The systems in place in respect of medication administration, disposal, handling and recording helped to keep people safe.
New staff underwent an induction programme, which prepared them appropriately for their role.
Staff were also provided with a range of training to help them keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
People received a balanced diet, and were provided with an adequate amount of food and drinks of their choice.
People were supported to see healthcare professionals as and when they needed to ensure that their healthcare needs were met.
The staff that supported people were caring, and promoted their privacy and dignity. People were supported to take part in activities of their choice.
The registered manager investigated and responded to people’s complaints in accordance with the provider’s complaints procedure.