St Anne's Community Services - Huddersfield

A positive risk approach was used to ensure the potential for harm was minimised without restricting a person's human rights. 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.

People were encouraged to maintain a balanced diet and given advice on how to do this. Positive outcomes had been achieved in relation to people's diets. Wherever possible, people prepared their own meals and were provided with facilities which promoted their independent living skills.

People were supported by staff who received appropriate training and support to carry out their roles and responsibilities. We found staff to be knowledgeable about people, their medicines and how best to support them. Staff told us they felt supported by the registered manager and deputy manager.

Staff turnover was low, which meant they had worked at the service for a long time. People were positive about the support workers who assisted them and we could see there was a genuine, and friendly relationship between staff and people they supported.

People's care and support had been planned in partnership with them. Staff knew people well and supported them in line with their current needs and wishes. Staff were knowledgeable about people's likes, dislikes and personal preferences.

The provider and registered manager used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. We saw service level and provider audits, measuring the service to ensure they were meeting required standards of care provision.

The service worked in partnership with other organisations such as the local authority and health professionals.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk