Macclesfield Supported Living Network

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. However, the effective domain is rated as requires improvement due to mental capacity assessment processes not always being completed. This has not affected the overall rating of the service that retains a good rating.

This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The service had been developed and designed prior to the development of the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values included choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. However, we saw that people with learning disabilities who used the service were able to live as ordinary a life as any citizen. We saw that people's homes did not house more than six people.

Risks to people's safety and well-being had been identified and plans put in place to minimise risk. Support plans were detailed and person centred. Medicines were managed safely and staff had the appropriate training to support people effectively.

The provider had systems in place to ensure that people were protected from the risk of harm or abuse. We saw there were policies and procedures in place to guide staff in relation to safeguarding adults and whistleblowing.

Support plans showed that people's GPs and other healthcare professionals were contacted for advice about people's health needs whenever necessary. We saw the service had responded promptly when people had experienced health problems.

People who used the service that we spoke with all gave positive feedback about the support received. The service had a relaxed feel and people could move freely around their own homes as they chose. People were able to have control over their lives and participate in activities they enjoyed.

Staff were recruited safely and then supported in their roles with induction, training, supervision and appraisal. Ongoing competency checks were also completed.

Policies and procedures were in place and updated, such as safeguarding, complaints, medication and other health and safety topics. Management and quality assurance systems had been devised and were in place to drive continuous improvement and the service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

The five questions we ask about services and what we found