Lord Hardy Court

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

We found the provider was meeting the principles of Right support, right care, right culture. People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. People lived in a clean environment. The provider was in the process of refurbishment to improve the service design. People were treated with respect and dignity. There were systems to investigate and learn from accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns.

The service was a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. Lord Hardy Court accommodates up to 60 people in one adapted building that is divided into four units. Each unit can accommodate up to 15 people, and 1 unit was being occupied by people with a learning disability. This is larger than current best practice guidance, however, people were happy and content in their living environment and had access to outside space freely.

Accidents and incidents were analysed and trends and patterns identified to mitigate future risks. Lessons were learnt from safety events and staff were involved in changing practice to improve the service. The service was clean and well presented. Maintenance checks were carried out in line with expected standards. People receive their medicines as prescribed; however, we identified some minor issues which were acted on immediately. Staff were recruited safely and pre-employment checks completed appropriately. Risks associated with people's care are identified and managed to keep people safe.

People's needs were assessed and care delivered in line with them. People had access to healthcare professionals and care plans clearly documented their advice and showed this was followed. People had access to good nutrition and hydration, and modified diets were provided where required. Staff and teams worked well together and daily records were clearly written. Handover sessions took place to ensure important information was passed between staff

Staff were caring in their approach and included people as partners in their own care. People had access to social activities and there was a good sense of involvement of people and listening to their voice. People had access to information which was displayed around the home and available in their bedrooms. Complaints were recorded and responded to appropriately, and duty of candour applied, and lessons learned were identified.

The management team had governance systems in place which helped them identify and address issues as they arose. Timely action was taken to ensure the quality of the service was maintained.