Brunswick House Nursing Home

Prior to our inspection the registered manager had left and the deputy manager was now the new manager. They had been in this role for 6 weeks. They had been involved in the improvement program so were well informed about what now needed to be sustained.

People were aware of the change in management but were not concerned by it. They told us they already knew the new home manager, who they described as "friendly" and "approachable". Staff felt supported and valued by the senior staff and were working with them, as one team, to provide people with the services they required. The new home manager had a clear vision for the service and had the support of the provider's representative to achieve this.

People told us they felt safe because the staff were caring, friendly and always available to help them when needed. We found, there were enough staff to meet people's care needs and to respond to them when needed to ensure their safety. People's medicines were managed safely. People told us the home was kept clean and we found effective cleaning and infection, prevention and control arrangements in place. Safety checks and servicing arrangements ensured the ongoing safety and effectiveness of the building, equipment, all utilities and emergency systems.

People told us their health needs were met and they had access to the health professionals when needed. We spoke with two health care professionals who confirmed staff worked well with them to support and maintain people's health. People's care records provided clear information about their needs and how these should be supported. Staff were provided with training and support to meet these needs effectively. People told us their consent was sought and they were able to make independent decisions about their care and treatment. People's nutritional needs were assessed and met. People told us staff were aware of and met their personal choices and cultural preferences regarding food and drink. Changes were made to people's environment, their equipment and the care delivered to them as their needs altered.

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.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. We considered this guidance as there were people using the service who have a learning disability and or who are autistic.