Preston Short Break Services

Preston Short Break Services can accommodate up to six people with a learning disability and/or a physical disability at any time for a short stay. Showers, bathrooms and four of the bedrooms are designed to meet the needs of people with a physical disability, having specific equipment and overhead tracking. As well as the main kitchen, lounge, dining area and conservatory, there is an area which includes a smaller kitchen with a lounge and dining area, that can be separated from the main part of the building should this better meet people's needs.

At the last comprehensive inspection on 25 November 2014 the service was rated overall as good.

At this inspection we found the service remained good.

At this inspection visit there were six people staying at the service. Approximately 60 people used the service for short stays throughout the year. There have been occasions where people have stayed for an extended period of time which had reduced the capacity of the service for short stays and had caused some short stays to be cancelled by the service.

As part of the inspection we spoke with seven people who had short stays at Preston Short Break Services and twelve relatives.

People told us staff were caring and helpful. They said they felt safe at Preston Short Break Services and enjoyed going there.

There were procedures in place to protect people from abuse and unsafe care. Staff were familiar with these and had received training in safeguarding adults. We saw risk assessments were in place which provided guidance for staff. These measures minimised risks to people.

Recruitment was safe. There were sufficient staff available to provide people with personal care and social and leisure activities.

Staff received training to support and care for people. They had the skills, knowledge and experience to provide safe and effective support.

Staff managed medicines safely. Medicines were stored securely, administered as prescribed and disposed of appropriately.

The service was clean and hygienic and staff used appropriate protective clothing to reduce the risk of

infection to people.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People told us they were happy with the variety and choice of meals available to them. Staff knew people's food likes, dislikes and any health or cultural requirements people had.

Care plans were personalised detailing how people wished to be supported. Their consent and agreement had been sought before providing care.

People who received support or where appropriate their representatives had been involved in making decisions about their care. Where people were unable to make their own decisions independent advocates were available.

People knew how to raise a concern or to make a complaint. The complaints procedure was available in text and easy read formats. People said they were encouraged to raise any concerns.

Senior staff monitored the support staff provided to people. Audits of care and support records and risk assessments were carried out regularly. People were encouraged to give their views informally. They and where appropriate their relatives were invited to complete surveys about the quality of their care.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found