The Links

Updated 7 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 11 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 7 April 2021

The inspection took place on the 21 November 2018 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the service was small and people were often out during the day and we needed to be sure that someone would be in.

At our last inspection on 29 December 2015 we rated the service ‘Good’. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of ‘Good’ overall. We found the service continued to meet people’s support needs.

The Links is registered to provide accommodation and support for up to five people who lived with a mental health condition, learning disability and/or associated need. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. On the day of our inspection there were two people living at the home.

There was a registered manager 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.

People continued to receive a safe service. Staff knew what abuse was and received training so they knew how to take action where people were at risk of harm. There was enough staff to support people and a recruitment process was in place. Risks to how people were supported were assessed and monitored to keep people safe.

People continued to receive an effective service. Assessments showed people’s support needs and their preferences were identified to ensure the service could support them. Staff received the necessary support so they had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs. While no one lacked capacity, the provider ensured staff received training in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. People decided when and what they had to eat and drink and was able to prepare their meals with little or no support.

People continued to receive support from staff who showed compassion and were caring. People made their own choices with support from staff where needed. People’s privacy, dignity and independence was respected.

People continued to receive a service which was responsive. People were involved in the assessment and care planning process. Staff supported people in the activities they chose to take part in. People knew how to raise a complaint.

People continued to receive a service which was well led. The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service and carry out spot checks. People were able to share their views by completing a provider questionnaire. There was a registered manager in post.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.