Griffin Lodge

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 service was a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. It was registered for the support of up to 12 people. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by how the service was organised and how people were supported. People using the service received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support appropriate and inclusive for them.

The Secretary of State has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to conduct a thematic review and to make recommendations about the use of restrictive interventions in settings that provide care for people with or who might have mental health problems, learning disabilities and/or autism. Thematic reviews look in-depth at specific issues concerning quality of care across the health and social care sectors. They expand our understanding of both good and poor practice and of the potential drivers of improvement.

As part of thematic review, we carried out a survey with the registered manager at this inspection. This considered whether the service used any restrictive intervention practices (restraint, seclusion and segregation) when supporting people. The service used some restrictive intervention practices as a last resort, in a person-centred way, in line with positive behaviour support principles (PBS).

Staff were trained in and understood PBS. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The home was visibly clean and there were no unpleasant odours. Detailed risk assessments were in place, risks were well managed and detailed records were kept of care and support provided. Medicines were

managed safely. Safe systems of recruitment were in place. Staff had received training in safeguarding people from abuse.

There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs and staff received the induction, training and support they needed to carry out their roles. Peoples nutritional needs were met. The service worked closely with healthcare professionals to ensure people's health needs were met.

Staff and the registered manager knew people well. Staff were patient, kind and caring and interactions were warm and friendly.

Care records, including PBS plans, were detailed and person centred. Activities were based on people's individual interests, hobbies and wishes. Peoples individual communication styles and methods were identified and respected.

There were now good systems of daily, weekly and monthly quality assurance checks and audits. People were positive about the registered manager and the changes since they had started at the service.