West Hill Place

Updated 2 December 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 20 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 2 December 2020

About the service:

West Hill Place provides accommodation, care and support for up to six people with autism and learning disabilities. There were five people using the service at the time of the inspection.

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.

People’s experience of using this service:

•The staff and the registered manager were passionate about providing people with support that met their individual needs, health, wellbeing, goals and aspirations. People were at the centre of their care and each person was treated as an individual. Care was bespoke and tailored to meet their exact needs. Staff were responsive to people’s changing needs and ensured they received the best care possible, challenging other professionals when required. People could take part in a range of activities and outings of their choosing.

• People’s independence was promoted. Each person was respected as an individual and their aspirations and wishes were followed. Staff helped people to gain independence at the pace that suited them, and consistently looked for opportunities for people to take part in the activity they wanted to.

•People felt safe within the service and staff understood safeguarding procedures.

• Administration and storage of medicines was safe.

• Risk assessments were in place to manage risks within people’s lives.

• Staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out.

• Staffing support matched the level of assessed needs within the service during our inspection.

• Staff were trained to support people effectively.

• Staff were supervised well and felt confident in their roles.

• People were supported to have a varied diet.

• Healthcare needs were met. Staff and management supported people to access the healthcare they required, and made sure people received the appropriate care.

• People's consent was gained before any care was provided, and they were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives.

• Staff and management treated people with kindness, dignity and respect and clearly understood the people using the service.

• People were supported in the least restrictive way possible.

• Care plans reflected people’s likes, dislikes and preferences and personality.

• People and their family were involved in their own care planning as much as was possible.

• A complaints system was in place.

• The service had a registered manager in place, and staff felt well supported by them.

• The registered manager was open and honest, and worked in partnership with outside agencies to improve people’s support when required

Rating at last inspection: Good (report published May 2016)

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remained rated good overall.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.