Wasdale Court

We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Systems and processes were not always effective in identifying concerns or supporting the service to manage quality and drive improvements. There had been a significant turnover of staff which had impacted the people who used the service. New staff had recently been recruited and the provider used agency staff to support people and ensure safe staffing numbers. Areas of the service required refurbishment. When actions had been identified by the provider, these had not always been completed in a timely manner including risks associated with fire doors. Risk management practices were not consistent and the provider did not always ensure staff had received the specialised training to deliver personalised care.

However, we received positive feedback about the new registered manager. A professional told us, “I have been very impressed by the registered manager. They have proved resilient under a good deal of pressure, expresses compassion and concern for the individuals who live at Wasdale Court, and seems to be well across the wider management of the service.” The staff team felt supported and received supervisions and appraisals. Managers and staff shared information with the relevant professionals to try and promote collaborative working. The staff team understood their safeguarding responsibilities and expressed genuine care for the people they supported. The staff team reflected things were improving at the service. There were procedures in place to ensure people received their medicines safely. The management team were open and honest with us during the assessment and were responsive to our feedback.

There was a breach of regulation relating to the governance of the service. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.