Springwood

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. The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.

People were kept safe. Staff were confident in protecting people from abuse. Risks were well managed. The provider learned from previous accidents and incidents to reduce future risks. Staff were recruited in a safe way and there were enough staff deployed to meet people's needs. Arrangements were in place for the safe administration of medicines. Infection control processes were embedded into the service and staff followed government guidance in relation to infection control and prevention practices, in particular, relating to COVID-19.

People's needs were assessed before they started using the service. Staff were suitably trained and received regular supervisions and annual appraisals. People were supported with their nutritional needs and to access a range of health care professionals. 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.

Staff were respectful towards people and supported them in a dignified way. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible and develop daily living skills. People received support from appropriate advocacy services, when needed.

Support plans were detailed and reflected people's individual needs and choices. People's communication needs were detailed within support plans and staff knew how to communicate with them effectively. Staff involved people and their relatives when planning support and activities which incorporated people's interests and wishes. The provider had a complaints procedure in place that was available in suitable formats for people.

An effective quality assurance process was in place. Key stakeholders were regularly consulted about the quality of the service. Staff were involved in the ongoing development and improvement of the service through regular meetings as well as daily communication. The registered manager was open and approachable to all.