Sandford House - Chesterfield Road

Sandford House - Chesterfield Road provides care for people requiring support with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities. The service provides accommodation and care for up to 32 people. At the time of the inspection 32 people were living at the service, one person was receiving respite care.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

People's experience of using this service: People we spoke with did not express any worries or concerns. Safeguarding procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard people.

There was a strong, visible person-centred culture. The service ensured that staff in all roles were highly motivated and offered care and support that was exceptionally compassionate and kind.

Individual risk assessments were completed for people so that identifiable risks were managed effectively.

Systems were in place to make sure managers and staff learn from events such as incidents, concerns and investigations.

People we spoke with told us there was always a staff member available to provide them with assistance during the day or night. There were enough staff to ensure people's care and support needs were met.

People were cared for by suitably qualified staff who been assessed as safe to work with people.

The service had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines so people were protected from risks associated with medicines.

People's feedback told us they received exceptionally high quality, personalised, creative and compassionate care. All the people and staff we spoke with gave us positive feedback about the caring nature of the service, quality of the staff and thoughtful support they received.

Relatives had complimented the service on the compassionate care provided including end of life care.

People had access to external health professionals to help promote good health and mental health wellbeing.

All the people spoken with made very positive comments about the staff team and the registered manager.

People told us they were treated with dignity and respect. We saw the service actively promoted people's privacy and dignity and independence by using a care card system every day. This system had been designed by the registered manager to increase people's understanding of respect, dignity, choice, diversity and equality.

Staff had undertaken training which was regularly updated to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to support people effectively. Staff told us they felt supported and valued.

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 were encouraged and supported to maintain a healthy diet.

We saw people responded well to staff and looked at ease and were confident with staff. During our inspection we observed staff were sensitive to times when people needed caring and compassionate support. It was clear from our discussions with staff that they enjoyed caring for people living at the service and they found it rewarding.

There was a range of activities on offer to people living at Sandford House. People were encouraged and supported to engage in activities within the community.

People spoken with felt confident they could raise any concerns with staff or the registered manager and that they would be taken seriously.

The registered manager had a good oversight of the service and were experienced in their role. Staff spoken with made very positive comments about the staff team and the senior staff.

There were planned and regular checks completed at the service to check the quality and safety of the service provided.