Dimensions Newton House

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

People were supported to stay safe from risks of harm. The service had effective systems to manage risks people experienced, for example in relation to health conditions and during periods of distress. There were enough staff providing consistent care and support to people. Staff received good training and support to help them do their job well. The service was accessible for people and adaptations had been made to ensure the building met people’s needs.

People had support plans which reflected their needs. We observed staff supporting people in a caring and respectful way. The provider worked with health and social care professionals to ensure people’s care was planned in line with current guidance and best practice. We found some shortfalls in the way medicines were managed, for example, some guidance was not clear, and some records had not been completed in line with national guidance. The manager took immediate action to make these improvements during the inspection.

Relatives knew who the management team were and told us they could raise concerns if needed. Staff said the management team were supportive and helped them to do their job well. Governance systems were effective in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring these improvements were made.