Heath Lodge

Although the service had not initially been developed and designed in line with all of the principles and values that underpin 'Registering the right support' and other best practice guidance it did fulfil the criteria and 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. The provider advised they would review the principles in practice to see how they could update the service to further reflect best practice.

We have made a recommendation for the registered provider to review best practice guidance in updating their service and on reflecting the principles of 'Registering the Right Support.'

People living at Heath Lodge and their relatives told us that their experience of using the service was overall very positive. People consistently told us how they were treated with kindness from all of the staff who were also very supportive. People told us they had enjoyed activities and events that they had been supported with.

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.

Staff were well trained in various topics appropriate to their role. They were knowledgeable in how to safeguard people from the risk of harm and abuse and were well trained in safely managing people's medications. People received care and support by staff who had been appropriately recruited and had undergone the necessary recruitment checks.

We found there was an effective process in place to monitor the quality and safety of care people received. Quality assurance checks were routinely carried out and the provision of care was monitored, assessed and improved upon accordingly. We noted some improvements were needed in the record keeping of staff rotas for one to one support and in accurately signing records.

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