Beechwood

People's experience of using this service: People felt safe living at the service. Through staff training and initiatives by the organisation, safeguarding was a high priority and staff had received training. People using the service also had information on staying safe and were encouraged to attend training when they were interested in doing so.

People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff who were competent, skilled and knew people well. Staff levels were monitored and increased to support people with appointments and activities when required. Safe staff recruitment checks were completed when staff commenced their employment.

The management, administration and storage of medicines was managed well, and people were receiving their prescribed medicines. Medication audits took place when each medication round had been completed. This picked up on any errors immediately so that they could be rectified without compromising someone's medication.

Best practice guidance in relation to infection prevention and control was followed and health and safety checks were completed on the environment and equipment.

Staff received comprehensive training and support in their role. This included specialist training specific to the needs of the people using the service. They were also actively looking for additional training which they felt would be beneficial to support people more effectively.

People received opportunities in developing the menu and their nutritional and hydration needs were met and independence was promoted. People were supported with their health care needs and accessed external healthcare professionals and services. Information was shared with external healthcare agencies to support people to receive consistent care.

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's care and support had been planned in partnership with them. People and their relatives were consulted and listened to about how their care would be delivered.

People's privacy and dignity was respected, and their independence actively promoted.

People were supported with opportunities to pursue social activities, interests and hobbies. People were supported to identify and achieve personal goals. End of life wishes was being arranged with contributions from close relatives.

Staff had access to policies and procedures that reflected legislation and current best practice. The management team were enthusiastic and had a positive approach to developing the service and looked towards continued improvement.

Quality monitoring and audits were robust and monitored every aspect of the service. These were carried out by the registered manager and senior management. This ensured that if an area of the service required attention, this was done immediately as through the auditing, every aspect of the service was continually under scrutiny.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

Rating at last: At the last inspection the service was rated good (published 8 February 2017)

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