Kingston House

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Theproviderwas previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, governance and staff recruitment.

At this assessment, we found some improvements had been made and that people now received safe care and treatment. In addition, the service now has a register manager who was providing effective leadership to the staff team.

However, the service’s recruitment practices remained unsafe, risks in relation to the environment had not been effectively managed and governance systems had again failed to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Staff had not been recruited safely. Necessary checks to confirm the identity of perspective staff had not been completed and evidence of their previous good conduct had not been collected. This meant people using the service were unnecessarily exposed to risk.

Risk in the environment of the service had not been appropriately mitigated. Necessary repairs had not been completed to address identified failures with the service’s electrical system and risks associated with uncovered radiators and an unrestricted window had not been mitigated.

People were comfortable in the service and staff were kind and attentive. People’s interests were encouraged and decisions respected. Staff knew people well and effectively met people’s communication needs.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs. Training had been regularly updated to ensure staff had the skills to meet people’s needs and regular supervision was provided.

Staff understood their role in protecting people from abuse and all forms of discrimination. Care plans were accurate and risks in relation to people’s care needs had been identified and mitigated. People were safely supported with medicines and all accidents and incidents were appropriately investigated to identify any areas of learning.

Formal assessments of people’s capacity to make specific decisions had been completed, necessary Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards applications made and conditions complied with.

The service worked effectively with professionals to ensure people’s needs were met and to develop individualised activities that impacted positively on people’s wellbeing.

The service was now led by a registered manager who provided effective leadership and support to the staff team. However, the provider’s governance systems were not entirely effective and had failed to ensure compliance with the requirements of the regulations.

Theproviderremained in breach of the regulations in relation to safe recruitment and governance. A further breach of the regulation in relation to premises and equipment was also identified.

In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.