Archived: Focus House

Updated 19 April 2017

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection was carried out by one inspector on 28 February 2017 and was unannounced.

Prior to the inspection the local authority care commissioners were contacted to obtain feedback from them in relation to the service. We referred to previous inspection reports, local authority reports and notifications. Notifications are sent to the Care Quality Commission by the provider to advise us of any significant events related to the service, which they are required to tell us about by law. We also looked at the Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection we spoke with three members of staff, including two support officers and the registered manager. We spoke with three people who live at and use the service.

Care plans, health records, medication records and additional documentation relevant to support mechanisms were seen for three people. In addition, a sample of records relating to the management of the service, for example staff records, complaints, quality assurance assessments and audits were viewed. Staff recruitment and supervision records for three of the staff team were reviewed.

Updated 19 April 2017

The inspection took place on 28 February 2017, and was unannounced.

Focus House is a residential home which offers accommodation for people who require personal care and treatment of disease, disorder or injury. The service offers a home to up to seven people who have a diagnosis of mental health issues. At the time of the inspection the home was operating at full occupancy.

The home is required to have a registered manager. The registered manager has been in post since April 2011, and has completed registration with the CQC. 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.

At the time of the last inspection the service was in breach of Regulation 17 – Good governance. There were concerns related to keeping documentation updated specifically in relation to care and the auditing of general operational files. At this inspection we have found that all issues had been resolved.

The service went above and beyond in responding to people’s changing needs. Practice focused on preventing possible relapse resulting in hospitalisation. This meant that in some instances staff may offer additional support to people that was not commissioned for 1:1 hours. In addition, the service offered in house therapy groups to support people in developing skills to manage their wellbeing. They encouraged people to develop hidden skills, leading to recognised qualifications.

People were kept safe by a staff team who knew how to report concerns promptly. Staff were able to describe the different types of abuse and what procedures they would follow if they suspected something. Systems and processes were in place to recruit staff who were suitable to work in the service and to protect people against the risk of abuse. There were sufficient numbers of suitably trained and experienced staff to ensure people’s needs were met. The last new member of staff recruited was approximately five years ago. The staff team was not only full but consistent in approach due to the limited staff turnover.

Good caring practice was observed to be delivered by the staff. People using the service said they were very happy with the support and care provided. They spoke very highly of the staff team reflecting on how they had brought positive changes to their lives.

People told us communication with the service was good and they felt listened to. All people spoken with said they thought they were treated with respect. This was also observed during the inspection process, and was illustrated through the many support programmes developed by the home. People felt this opened an avenue for them where they could express themselves without being judged.

People were supported with their medicines by suitably trained, qualified and experienced staff. Medicines were managed safely and securely. People were encouraged to look at developing their skills and confidence towards self-medicating. Risk assessments were developed to ensure this was done safely and at the pace of each individual person. The process was agreed within a multidisciplinary team and signed off.

People received care and support from staff who had the appropriate skills and knowledge to care for them. All staff received comprehensive induction, training and support from experienced members of staff. Both the registered and deputy manager were reportedly supportive of the staff team, listening and providing guidance as requested. This was visible through comprehensive detailed supervisions and team meetings.

Quality assurance audits and governance of documents were found to be completed by the service. This meant that the service was continually being assessed in line with the needs of people, relatives and stake holders.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.