130 Whitworth Road

Updated 20 November 2020

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 conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

This inspection took place on 11 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 20 November 2020

This unannounced inspection took place on 16 March 2018. At our last inspection in January 2016 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

130 Whitworth Road is a ‘care home’ that accommodates up to four people with learning disabilities in one purpose-adapted building. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. On the day of our visit there were four people using the service.

The care service had been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

There was no registered manager in post and for this reason the service was overseen by a registered manager from another service. 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.

Why the service is rated Good.

The home continued to ensure people were safe. There were enough suitable staff to meet people's needs. Risk assessments were carried out to enable people to retain their independence and receive care with minimum risk to themselves or others. People received their medicines safely. Staff had attended safeguarding training and were aware of the systems in place to report any allegations of abuse. The provider followed appropriate recruitment procedures to ensure they employed staff who were suitable to provide care.

People continued to receive effective care. People who lacked capacity had decisions made on their behalf in line with current legislation. Staff received training to ensure they had the skills and knowledge required to effectively support people. People's healthcare needs were met. People were supported to eat and drink in line with their nutrition assessments. People were supported to have maximum choice and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.

The home continued to provide a caring service to people. We observed that staff were kind and patient. People's privacy and dignity were respected by staff. People were involved in making decisions about the care and support they received. People's choices were always respected and staff encouraged choice for those who struggled to communicate with them.

The home remained responsive to people's individual needs. Care and support were personalised to suit each person’s needs and preferences, and people were able to make choices about their day to day lives. People took part in a wide range of activities which reflected their interests and preferences. People and their relatives told us they knew how to complain and there were a range of opportunities for them to raise concerns with the management team and designated staff.

The home continued to be well-led. Relatives and staff spoke highly of the management. Regular audits and checks were carried out on the quality of care people received. Shortfalls identified were addressed in a timely manner to develop the service.