Orwell Mencap Genesis

At the time of this announced inspection of 10 and 12 January 2018 there were five people who used the service.

The provider was given up to 48 hours' notice because we wanted to be certain the registered manager and key staff would be available on the day of our inspection. We also wanted to give them sufficient time to make agreements with people and their relatives so we could meet and talk to them to find out their experiences of the service. This service was registered with CQC on 11 January 2011.

At our last inspection 8 December 2015 we rated the service as overall good, however safe was rated as requires improvement. There were inconsistencies in the recruitment processes and risks to people were not always assessed and reviewed appropriately. At our inspection 10 and 12 January 2018 we found that improvements had been made and contributed towards people consistently receiving safe, effective, compassionate and high quality care.

A registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons.' Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Orwell Mencap Genesis provided a safe service to people. This included systems intended to minimise the risks to people, including from abuse, mobility, nutrition and with accessing the community. Support workers understood their roles and responsibilities in keeping people safe.

Recruitment checks were carried out with sufficient numbers of support workers employed who had the knowledge and skills through regular supervision and training to meet people's needs.

People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet. They were also supported to maintain good health and access healthcare services. At the time of this inspection no one was being supported with their medicines however systems were in place to provide this support safely when required.

People and relatives had developed good relationships with the support workers and the registered manager. People received care that was personalised and responsive to their needs. People's care records were accurate and reflected the support provided.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and support workers supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were able to express their views and support workers listened to what they said and took action to ensure their decisions were acted on. Support workers consistently protected people's privacy and dignity.

Support workers received training in infection control and food hygiene and understood their responsibilities relating to these areas. Systems were in place to reduce the risks of cross infection.

The service listened to people's experiences, concerns and complaints and took action where needed. People, relatives and staff told us the registered manager was accessible, supportive and had good leadership skills. The service had a quality assurance system and shortfalls were identified and addressed. As a result the quality of the service continued to progress.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found