De Vere Care Partnership -Chelmsford

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service. As a result, we undertook a targeted inspection, we looked at safe and well lead.

inspection

Our inspection was announced. This means we gave the service 48 hours' notice prior to our visit taking place. This was because we wanted to make sure someone would be available to support us with the inspection.

The inspection team consisted of 1 inspector.

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 inspections and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

We spoke with the registered manager, and the director and received feedback from 18 staff members, 10 people and 2 relatives.

We found the provider had taken appropriate steps to improve the service since the last inspection. A service improvement plan was in place to support ongoing development.

Risk assessments and care plans were reviewed regularly, or when concerns were identified, to ensure records reflected people’s current needs and risks. Staff understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act.

The provider had systems to monitor incidents and promote learning. Staff understood safeguarding procedures and, at the time of our inspection, we saw appropriate steps had been taken to manage identified safeguarding concerns.

Systems were in place to manage people’s medicines safely. Infection risks were managed effectively, and people were supported by skilled staff.

Staff knew people well, treated them as individuals, and encouraged independence. Relatives said the service responded promptly to people’s needs. The provider promoted a positive culture through staff recognition and wellbeing initiatives.

Care was personalised and adapted to people’s changing needs, supported by consistent staffing and clear communication with people and relatives. People felt listened to, received information in accessible ways, and were supported to maintain community connections and plan for the future.

People felt safe when receiving support. They said staff listened to them, respected their choices and provided care in the way they preferred, helping them to retain choice and control. Staff were described as kind, compassionate and responsive, and people said their privacy and dignity were respected. One person said, “Staff are always kind and respect my privacy.” Another person said, “Staff listen to me, respect my choices and support me in the way I prefer.”

People spoke positively about the service and felt confident raising concerns. They believed staff and leaders would respond promptly and take appropriate action. People knew the staff and leadership team well, which helped them feel supported and reassured. One person said, “The service I receive is very good. I’m well supported, and I also feel very safe when I receive support.”