Downside House

Recruitment practices were safe and there were sufficient numbers of staff available to meet people's needs. People were protected from avoidable harm, and infection control risks were managed appropriately.

Systems were in place to monitor incidents, accidents and near misses. There were clear processes in place to monitor risks to people which helped to ensure they received effective care to maintain their safety and wellbeing.

There were suitable systems in place to ensure that medicines were securely stored, ordered and disposed of safely and people received their medicines as prescribed.

Staff training had not always been updated in a timely way, however plans were in place to address this. Staff received regular supervision to help develop their skills and support them in their role.

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 supported to access health and social care professionals if needed, received enough to eat and drink and were happy with the food provided.

People were supported by staff who were kind, compassionate and caring and who understood their likes, dislikes and preferences. People had detailed and accurate care plans in place which were person centred. People told us that they were provided with person centred care and fully involved in planning their care and the support they received.

People, relatives and staff were positive about the running of the service and the support they received from the management team and providers. People and staff felt there had been improvements in all aspects of the service since the last inspection.

The management team were open and transparent. They understood their regulatory responsibilities. People and their relatives said the management team were open, approachable and supportive. There were effective governance systems in place to identify concerns in the service and drive improvement.

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