New Directions (Hastings) Limited - Bishops Lodge

Bishops Lodge is a home registered to provide accommodation and personal care to a maximum of six people with learning disabilities, specialising in support for people with Prader-Willi syndrome. Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a wide range of physical symptoms, including an excessive appetite and overeating, learning difficulties and behavioural problems. At the time of the inspection there were four people living at the service. The home was a converted house that provided accommodation for people over two floors.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Staff remained kind and caring and had developed good relationships with people. People's privacy was respected and staff supported people to be as independent as possible.

Systems remained in place to protect people from abuse and staff received training in their responsibilities to safeguard people. Risks relating to people's care were reduced as the provider assessed and managed risks effectively.

People were supported with their nutritional needs by staff who had very good knowledge of the additional considerations needed to manage this prominent symptom of Prader-Willi syndrome. Adaptions had been made to the premises to ensure that peoples safety with their syndrome was protected.

People's medicines were managed safely by staff. People were supported by staff who had been assessed as suitable to work with them. Staff had been trained effectively to have the right skills and knowledge to be able to meet people's assessed needs. Staff were supported through observations, supervisions and appraisals to help them understand their role. The provider had ensured that there were enough staff to care for people.

People continued to receive care in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and staff received training on the Act to help them understand their responsibilities in relation to it. People's capacity to make decisions had been carefully assessed. 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's needs continued to be assessed and person-centred care plans were developed, to identify what care and support was required. People received personalised care that was responsive to their needs.

People were encouraged to live healthy lives and received food of their choice. People received support with their day to day healthcare needs.

People were informed of how to complain and the provider responded to complaints appropriately. The provider communicated openly with people and staff. Staff worked closely with professionals and outside agencies to ensure joined up support.

People and staff spoke highly of the leadership of the service. Quality assurance and information governance systems remained in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. Staff worked well together and were aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Managers and staff learnt from feedback and took action to improve service delivery following incidents, accidents and audits.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

The five questions we ask about services and what we found