New Treetops

Systems were in place to keep people safe; incidents and accidents were managed well. No concerns were noted in relation to the environment and safety checks were ongoing. Sufficient staff were in place to deliver care to people and they had received relevant training and supervision. Medicines were managed safely.

Capacity assessments had been undertaken by the assessing authority; the acting manager discussed the ongoing work with relevant professionals in relation to Mental Capacity Assessments (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty safeguards (DoLS). Information in relation to people’s health needs were included in assessments and people were supported to access health professionals if this was required during visits. Professionals were positive about New Treetops and the support they provided. Meals were provided to people in line with their needs, choice and cultural/religious requirements. Choices of meals were seen with a range of supplies of food to support varied meal preparation.

People’s care was reviewed regularly prior to each planned stay at New Treetops, any changing need was discussed with relatives. People and relatives could ring and book in easily if there were vacancies. They told us how the initial assessments, after expressing an interest to register with New Treetops, were very thorough and helped allay any fears. People and relatives were able to look around and have short visits to trial the service until they felt confident to stay for a respite period. Relatives had been involved in discussions regarding people’s care needs and choices. No-one was in receipt of end-of-life care, but we heard how well staff training and learning had been put into practice in the past.

Systems were in place to manage complaints, no formal complaints had been received. People and relatives were positive about New Treetops and felt able to call the service at any time. A formal annual satisfaction survey was overdue, but the management team were aware, and this was in progress. We heard how there was regular contact with relatives who said they felt confident and satisfied with the level of feedback and communication. Regular staff team meetings took place, and a range of information was shared with the staff. Staff told us they were engaged and involved and felt supported by an inclusive and supportive management. The registered manager had been on leave for some time. There was an acting manager in place and feedback from people, relatives and staff was positive.

Systems to monitor the service in the form of audits and checks were in place. The management team discussed what they were planning to improve their systems. They felt supported by the provider, Devon County Council. We met with the provider who had recently completed an audit of the service showing clear actions were being taken to ensure people received a good service.

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