Broadlands Park Residential Care Home

Staff had not received all the training required to meet their roles and needs of people who lived in the service. Although we had concerns regarding the deployment and numbers of staff, the situation had improved recently with increased recruitment including sponsorship of new staff.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. However, mental capacity assessments and best interest decision did not follow Mental Capacity Act guidance.

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 statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. We considered this guidance as there were people using the service who have a learning disability and or who are autistic and have made a recommendation the service reviews this to ensure it is meeting the requirements.

Medicines were managed consistently and safely. There was a medicine champion who oversaw the administration and worked closely with the GP to review the use of medicines.

People were given choices to ensure their needs were meet. A relative said, "[Person] has no problem with male or female staff. The service definitely meets [their] needs. [They] were wasting away in [their] bedroom at home and in here [they're] looked after and has got company. [They] are happy. I'm happy. I've had a review of what they're providing."

Staff spoken to all said they enjoyed their job and how much they cared. One said, "Seeing [people] smile and you know you have done your job." Another said, "doing little bits for individual people can make their day, just once a day, a little glint in their eye, a smile or remembering something. Anything. It is good to make people happy."

The service had developed good relationship with health care professionals including the local GP. They had staff who were champions in such things as falls, continence and wound care, who ensured referrals were made in a timely way and these were chased so there was limited delay in people receiving the treatment they needed. Regular visits took place by GP and other Health care professionals who spoke very highly of the staff's knowledge and experience. During these visits people with complex needs were discussed to ensure all available support was being provided.

The provider responded promptly to areas of concern raised with them and review systems and put appropriate measures in place to address shortfalls.