Hazelwood Lodge Limited

We expect providers supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people to ensure people experience respect, equality, dignity, choice and independence, and have access to their local community. We assessed the service against the principles of ‘Right support, right care, right culture’. The provider consistently demonstrated these principles were fully embedded in practice. People experienced highly personalised care which promoted independence, inclusion and meaningful control over their lives.

We found people received safe, personalised care from staff who knew them well. The environment was clean, well maintained and supported people’s comfort and wellbeing. Risks were assessed and reviewed, and staff used their knowledge of people’s individual needs to support them safely while also promoting independence where possible.

Staff were attentive to changes in people’s health and wellbeing. Medicines were managed safely, and staff worked with healthcare professionals when people needed advice, treatment or changes to their care. This helped ensure people received coordinated support and that changes in their needs were acted on.

Care was planned and delivered around people’s communication needs, preferences and daily routines. Staff gave people time to make choices and used their understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication to support people to express what mattered to them. People were supported to take part in activities and community opportunities which reflected their interests and helped them remain involved in everyday life.

Managers organised staffing arrangements to deliver safe and consistent care. Staff received training, supervision and guidance, and told us they felt supported by managers and colleagues. Staff worked together effectively and described a culture where they could ask questions, raise concerns and share learning.

Leaders had a clear understanding of the service and were visible in day-to-day practice. Leaders used systems to monitor quality and safety, and feedback from people, relatives, staff and professionals was used to inform improvements. This supported a service culture focused on safe, person-centred care and continuous improvement.