St Aidans

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.

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, but more detail was needed in records relating to these. The management told us what they planned to do to improve these. Sufficient staff were in place to deliver care to people and they had received relevant training, supervision and spot checks. Medicines were managed safely.

Capacity assessments had been undertaken by the assessing authority; the registered 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 St Aidans 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 supplies of food to support meal preparation.

People’s care was reviewed regularly prior to each planned stay at St Aidans any changing need was discussed with relatives. No one was in receipt of end-of-life care. Family members had been involved in discussions regarding people’s care needs and choices.

Professionals were positive about the care people received. Surveys were being undertaken with families, professionals and staff. The management had completed a, ‘You said, we did’ as a result of the staff feedback. Systems were in place to manage complaints, no complaints had been received, and people were positive about St Aidans. Regular team meetings were taking place, and a range of information was shared with the staff, staff told us they were engaged and involved. The management was inclusive and supportive, positive feedback from the staff team confirmed this. Staff said they were supported in their roles and good relationships were in place between staff and the management.

Senior leaders were visible in the service; all members of the management team were supportive of the assessment and information was provided to support the process promptly. The registered manager discussed how they were working in ways to support improvement and innovation.

Systems to monitor the service in the form of audits and checks were in place. However, these required improvements as audits required further details and needed to be more robust to demonstrate what was being checked, why and whether any actions or follow up was required. The management team discussed what they were planning to improve their systems.