Ashurst

We inspected this service due to concerns relating to the high number of statutory notifications we received from the provider about the people using the service.

There were robust systems in place to support safety and manage risk effectively. Staff understood their responsibilities in identifying and escalating concerns, and safety incidents were appropriately recorded and reviewed. Learning from incidents was shared with the wider team to promote continuous improvement. Staff received regular and effective training in safeguarding and safety-related systems and processes.

Comprehensive risk assessments were carried out by senior staff and regularly reviewed. Staff responded appropriately to changing risks, including deteriorating health, medical emergencies, and behaviour that challenged. They were supported by senior colleagues when managing complex or high-risk situations.

Staffing levels were planned and monitored to ensure safe care delivery. Staff did not work excessive hours, and rotas were managed to maintain consistency and continuity. Medicines were administered and managed safely, in line with best practice.

People’s physical, mental and social needs were holistically assessed and met. Care and treatment were based on current best practice and delivered in a coordinated way with involvement from multiple services and organisations. Staff regularly collected and monitored care data to ensure positive outcomes were being achieved.

Care was delivered with compassion and respect. Staff promoted independence and supported people to make their own choices, encouraging active involvement in day-to-day decisions. The environment and service layout supported this approach and enabled people to develop and maintain autonomy.

The service was led by a committed and effective registered manager, supported by a well-structured leadership team. Staff described a positive and open culture where they felt supported and able to raise concerns or suggestions. The provider had established strong quality assurance and governance arrangements, ensuring consistent oversight and high standards of care.

Concerns and complaints were managed appropriately. The registered manager reviewed feedback for trends and shared learning across the team to improve service delivery.

We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Right Support:

People led active lives. Staff supported people to take part in activities and to pursue their interests. Staff worked with people to plan for when they experienced periods of distress. 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.

Right Care:

People received kind and compassionate care. Staff protected and respected people’s privacy and dignity. They understood and responded to their individual needs. Staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse. The provider worked well with other agencies to do so. Staff had training on how to recognise and report abuse and they knew how to apply it. The service had enough appropriately skilled staff to meet people’s needs and keep them safe. People could communicate with staff and understand information given to them because staff supported them consistently and understood their individual communication needs.

Right Culture:

There was an open and transparent culture within the management team with a clear focus on providing good care. People and those important to them were involved in planning their care. Good communication and the active involvement of senior managers ensured any risk of a closed culture was minimised. People received support based on transparency, respect and inclusivity. Local partners in health and social care were positive about the culture of the service.