Keele House

The provider had taken effective action since the last inspection to improve the quality of care people received. Effective checks and audits were now completed regularly and any shortfalls were addressed. A registered manager had been appointed and they led the staff team to provide a good standard of care. Staff were motivated and felt appreciated. People, their relatives and staff were asked for their feedback on the service and this was acted on. Relationships between the staff and health care professionals had improved.

Risks to people were assessed and care was planned to keep people safe while supporting them to remain as independent as possible. Medicines were managed safely and medicines records had improved. When accidents or incidents occurred, action was taken to reduce the risk of them happening again. There were enough staff, who had been recruited safely to meet people's needs. Staff followed safe infection control processes.

People were protected from the risks of harm and abuse. Staff knew how to identify and share any concerns they had. Concerns raised had been listened to and acted on. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

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.

Staff knew people well and had taken time to get to know them. People's wishes and preferences were respected. Staff reassured people when they were anxious. People had privacy and were supported to remain independent.