Woodhall Support Services Ltd

During this assessment, we reviewed the quality statements Safe and Well-Led. We found the registered provider was in breach of 2 regulations relating to safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment and good governance.

Discussions with the registered manager, alongside a review of records, confirmed potential safeguarding concerns had not been referred to the appropriate agencies to ensure people’s safety.

Care records did not contain the necessary information to support staff understanding about how to provide appropriate care. For example, dementia and oral care plans were not in place. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) were missing, which meant there was no clear guidance to ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. In addition, for medicines prescribed as Pro Re Nata (PRN), there were no protocols in place to support the safe and consistent administration of these medicines.

A review of the provider’s governance arrangements was required to ensure effective oversight of the service and to address the shortfalls identified during this assessment.

Risk assessments were in place to promote people’s independence whilst ensuring their safety. Incidents had not been referred to the appropriate agencies. Action had been taken by the registered manager to reduce the risk of further recurrence.

At the time of our assessment, the service was providing care to people with a learning disability and autistic people. However, the registered provider was not registered for this service user band. Although, staff had received training within this area. We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Since the site visit, we have received an application to add the service user band for learning disability and autism and an updated Statement of Purpose.