Padgate House

The service provides short term support in an intermediate care setting to help people regain daily living skills and independence. At the time of the inspection Padgate House was supporting 35 people. The service is provided jointly by Warrington Borough Council and Bridgewater NHS Foundation Trust.

People's experience of using this service and what we found: All staff were supported with a thorough induction and people told us they received effective care and support by staff who were familiar with their support needs. We did however find that not all staff were supported with annual refresher training. We recommend that the provider reviews and strengthens training compliance.

Quality assurance systems and processes were in place to monitor the quality and safety of care people received. Although, some areas require further review and assessment as to ensure people are receiving consistent high-quality, person-centred care.

People received medication support by staff who had been appropriately trained and regularly had their competency levels checked. However, we identified that not all prescription medications were safely stored as per medication policy. This was immediately addressed by the registered manager during the inspection.

Staffing levels and recruitment procedures remained safe. People received a safe level of care by appropriately recruited staff, staffing levels were closely monitored and people received support in a timely and effective manner.

People's level of risk was appropriately assessed, and effective support measures were put in place from the outset. Care records contained up to date and consistent information. There were effective systems in place to ensure all staff and records were updated with the most relevant and timely information about people's care and support needs.

People continued to live in a safe environment. Health and safety monitoring tools and checks were in place, regulatory compliance certificates were up to date and regularly renewed and people had personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) in place.

People received person-centred care; the care and support they received was tailored around individual needs, wishes and preferences. People and relatives told us that staff were attentive, kind and delivered care that was considerate and compassionate. One person told us, "[The staff] are kind, patient and very helpful as well. They're very nice, personal but not over-familiar."

Safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures were safely in place. Staff understood the importance of keeping people safe and were familiar with the reporting procedures they needed to follow.

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.

Dedicated physiotherapists and occupational therapists provided therapeutic support to people living at Padgate House. Therapeutic activities helped to build and develop people's confidence, independence and living skills. Some feedback suggested that more stimulating activities could be provided of a weekend.

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