The Hamlet

Updated 24 February 2022

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 COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 08 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 24 February 2022

This inspection took place on 29 and 31 May 2018. The first day was unannounced, however we informed staff we would be returning for a second day to complete the inspection and announced this in advance.

The Hamlet provides residential and respite support for up to nine people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities or mental health needs. At the time of the inspection there were seven people using the respite service and two people were receiving long term residential care.

At our last inspection of The Hamlet in February 2017 the home was rated as ‘Requires improvement’ overall due to not meeting all the regulations in relation to record keeping and staff training. At this inspection we found the service had taken all the required action and were now meeting the regulations.

People had been protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Staff understood what might be a safeguarding concern and how to respond to this.

The building and utilities had been maintained to a good standard with all necessary checks and certificates in place, including; gas, electrical, legionella and fire safety equipment.

Medication was safely managed, records were up to date and provided the necessary details in relation to all prescribed medicines including topical creams and dietary supplements and thickeners.

People’s needs had been assessed and care plans developed to ensure their needs were met as they preferred. Risk assessments provided guidance on how to support people to manage the risks in their daily lives.

Staff had received an increased level of training which had provided them with the necessary knowledge and skill to meet people’s needs safely. Staff reported feeling they had benefited from the training available.

The service was aware of its responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Staff were seen to be caring and supported people, kindly and respectfully. People living in the service said they thought the staff were kind and caring.

People received person centred care that was responsive to their needs. Care plans were reviewed and updated regularly.

The management structure was clear and staff reported being happy with the way the service was managed, they felt the manager could be relied upon to take appropriate action and was supportive and fair.

Audit and governance systems had been improved and ensured people received care and support consistently.

Relatives reported feeling able to approach the manager at any time and felt confident they would act on any concerns they raised.