Abbey Care and Support

We identified one breach of regulation. During our assessment of this key question, we found concerns around the safe care and treatment, which resulted in a breach of Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because risks to people's health, safety, and wellbeing were not managed safely. People's care plans did not contain adequate details of their health conditions and the clinical care they required to keep them safe and well. Some people living at the service required support to manage difficult or distressed behaviours, and staff did not have access to clear guidance about how to do this safely. Improvements were required in relation to records to ensure the service was following the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). Overall, medicines were safely managed. Improvements were required in the storage of medicines and as-and-when protocols. Staff were trained and understood their responsibilities to safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Systems were in place to ensure the environment and equipment was safe for use. IPC policies and procedures were in place to protect people from the risk of infections. You can find more details of our concerns in the evidence category findings below.

We observed people being offered day to day choices and consent being sought. People were receiving personalised support with achieved good outcomes for them. Care records were individualised, and staff used a range of communication methods to engage with people effectively. However, improvements were required in relation to recording consent.

People received support from care workers with kindness, empathy and compassion and care workers respected people’s privacy and dignity. People were treated as individuals and their care, support and treatment met their needs and preferences. The provider promoted people’s independence, so they know their rights and have choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing. The provider listened to and understood people’s needs, views and wishes.

People were at the centre of their care and the provider responded to any relevant changes in their needs. The provider understands the diverse health and care needs of people and of the local communities. People’s care was joined-up, flexible and supported choice and continuity. People were able to share feedback and ideas or raise complaints about their care, treatment and support.

We identified one breach of regulation. During our assessment of this key question, we found concerns around the governance and leadership of the service which resulted in a breach of Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because there was a lack of effective oversight and governance to ensure people received care and treatment that met their assessed needs. There were shortfalls in peoples care which had not always been identified and when this had occurred there was insufficient action taken to ensure people received timely and appropriate support to meet their needs. Care plans and risk assessments did not contain current contemporaneous information in respect to peoples changing needs. Improvements were required in relation to records to ensure the service were following the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).