Birches Grove

Birches Grove supports people with a learning disability and/or mental health needs. It accommodates up to four people in a four bedded detached house on a residential estate. There were three people living at Birches Grove at the time of the inspection.

We found the following examples of good practice.

People understood the measures in place to protect them from COVID-19. Visits to the service and to people's family homes had been adapted in line with recognised safe visiting guidance and lockdown restrictions. People spoke with their friends and relatives regularly, by telephone and via video calls.

People using the service were in a household bubble but maintained social distance from others during our visit. People were supported to access local areas for walks and drives out, as lockdown permitted. People enjoyed being part of an online art activity club and were involved in craft and domestic activities within the service.

People were admitted to the service safely, including when they returned from hospital or a visit to their family home. People were tested for COVID-19 before admission and were supported to self-isolate on arrival. This reduced the risk of introducing infection to others at Birches Grove.

People and staff had been supported to receive their vaccinations and COVID-19 testing. Staff ensured people accessed health care when needed and supported them with regular testing.

The provider ensured the staff team were updated on changes to national guidance and step by step procedures were in place for staff to refer to in the event of an outbreak. The provider shared lessons learned across their services to ensure people were protected from COVID-19.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found