Beacon House

As part of this assessment, we looked at 7 quality statements for the key question of safe. These were, learning culture, safeguarding, involving people to manage risks, safe environments, safe and effective staffing, infection, control and prevention and medicines optimisation.

People felt safe. Staff had been provided with training to enable them to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and they knew how to report any concerns. People had risk assessments in place to enable them to maintain their independence and keep them safe. Sufficient numbers of staff with the appropriate skill mix were available to support people with their diverse needs. Effective recruitment procedures were in place to ensure suitable staff were employed to work with people using the service. People were protected from the spread of infection; the service was clean, and staff wore personal protective equipment when needed. The environment and equipment were well maintained. Medication was administered safely and there were clear protocols in place for medicines which were taken 'when required'.

As part of this assessment, we looked at 6 quality statements for the key question of effective. These were, assessing needs, delivering evidence-based care and treatment, how staff, teams and services work together, supporting people to live healthier lives, monitoring, and improving outcomes and consent to care and treatment.

Staff received an induction and ongoing training that enabled them to have the skills and knowledge to provide effective care. People's needs were fully assessed and met by trained staff. People were supported to remain healthy and access healthcare services when required. People’s dietary needs were fully met, and staff supported people to eat and drink in line with their assessments and nutritional needs. 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.

As part of this assessment, we looked at 1 quality statement for the key question of caring. This was independence, choice, and control.

People received the support they required to maintain their independence with respect for their values, preferences, and choices.

As part of this assessment, we looked at 1 quality statement for the key question of responsive. This was equity in experiences and outcomes.

People and relatives received regular opportunities to share their experience of the service to improve care outcomes. People knew how to make a complaint or raise a concern.

As part of this assessment, we looked at 7 quality statements for the key question of well-led. These were shared direction and culture, capable, compassionate, and inclusive leaders, freedom to speak up, workforce equality, diversity and inclusion, governance, management and sustainability, partnerships and communities and learning, improvement and innovation.

Staff had a good understanding of equality, diversity, and human rights, and they provided safe and compassionate care. The management team understood the key principles and focus of the service, based on the organisation’s values. There was an open, honest and transparent culture, and staff we spoke with were confident their voices would be heard. There was an organisational commitment to ensure there was equality and inclusion across the workforce. Quality assurance systems identified areas that needed further development. The management and staff teams worked in partnership with key organisations to support high quality care. There were processes in place to ensure that learning happened when things went wrong, and best practice guidance was sought and shared.