Highbury Court Flats

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. We considered this guidance as there were people using the service who have a learning disability and or who are autistic.

People lived within walking distance of local shops and amenities. There was a bus stop and tram link nearby, which enabled people to use public transport if they wished to travel further afield.

People were kept safe from avoidable harm because staff knew them well and understood how to protect them from abuse. The service worked well with other agencies to do so.

People were supported to have maximum 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.

There were personalised risk assessments in place covering all aspects of the service and support provided. Medicines were managed safely. Infection control measures were in place.

Right care: Staff relationships with people were caring and supportive. Staff provided care that was kind and compassionate. The service had enough appropriately skilled staff to meet people's needs and keep them safe. The provider was in the process of providing enhanced learning disability and autism training to all staff in line with legislation.

Right culture: Staff felt respected, supported and valued by the registered manager. Staff knew and understood people extremely well and were responsive, supporting their aspirations to live a quality life of their choosing.

A number of methods were used to assess the quality and safety of the service people received. However, some audits had lapsed and needed enhancing further.

We have made a recommendation about the governance systems.