Poldark

Poldark is a detached bungalow situated in a quiet rural location. Poldark opened in February 2019 and this is the first inspection of the service.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. The person using the service receives planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

Staff demonstrated an understanding of the person's differences and individual preferences.

Staff and managers had a good understanding of equality issues. They valued people as individuals and staff took pride in their achievements.

Relatives told the service the interest and activities that the person enjoyed. The relatives and staff were still debating how the person should be involved in the activities and the duration of the activities that met the person's current needs.

Staff understood their roles and responsibilities in relation to ensuring the persons safety.

The person was supported to try new experiences while any related risks were identified, and action taken to help reduce the risks.

The person was supported to have 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.

The person's care plan was accurate and provided staff with enough guidance to enable them to meet their

needs. Information provided to staff about the person's communication preferences was accurate and useful.

The person received their medicines on time from staff who had received training in medicines administration. Medicine records were in the main completed appropriately. Staff needed to double sign all handwritten entries of medicines on MAR records to ensure they are completed safely.

Staff were recruited safely in sufficient numbers to ensure the person's needs were met.

The person was supported by staff who had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. Staff received induction, training and supervision to assist them to carry out their work.

Staff actively supported the person to maintain links with their family.

The person was supported to access healthcare services. Where significant risks to people's health were identified staff worked collaboratively with the person and relevant health care professionals to prevent their condition deteriorating.

Staff encouraged people to eat a well-balanced diet and make healthy eating choices.

Relatives views varied in how confidant they felt the service was run or that their concerns would be listened to. They acknowledged that the placement was still in the stages of developing.

Professionals were positive about the service and summarised that the placement met the persons current care needs.

There is a clearly defined management structure and regular oversight and input form senior management. The ethos of the service is 'Empowering people to lead a lifestyle they are proud of'. Staff are aware and working to support the person to achieve this.

The manager was in the process of submitting their registered manager application with the Care Quality Commission for Poldark service only. The current registered manager oversees three services and so divided their management responsibility between them.