Grindon Short Break Service

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. Managers had adapted how the service operated during the pandemic. Staff ensured they continually maximised people's choice, control and independence in a safe and inclusive environment whilst also following national IPC guidance. Each person had their own individual, person centred Covid-19 care plan and risk assessment which promoted their rights, privacy and dignity.

Managers, staff and people accessing the service had worked together to ensure the service remained an enjoyable and empowering experience for everyone. People were involved in all aspects of the service including discussions around Covid safe activities, outings and making the environment safe for everyone.

We found the following examples of good practice.

Systems were in place to prevent people, staff and visitors from catching and spreading infections. The service had adapted how to support people, as far as possible, with social distancing.

Staff had undertaken training in putting on and taking off PPE, hand hygiene and other Covid-19 related training. Managers monitored staff practices to ensure high standards and correct procedures were followed. Additional cleaning of all areas and frequent touch surfaces was being carried out.

The home was following national guidance for managing people's arrival and discharge for their short break. Staff worked with people and their relatives to ensure they were aware of the procedures in place to keep people safe and, if required, isolation procedures.

Staff supported people's social and emotional wellbeing. People were involved in planning safe activities within the service and within the local community. People transitioning to the service were supported to have virtual face to face contact with staff who did a virtual tour of the building.

Infection control audits and checks were carried out. The registered manager spoke positively about the hard work and dedication which staff had shown, which had helped to minimise the impact of the pandemic on people's health and wellbeing. The provider continuously passed on important information about Covid-

19 to staff.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found