Gresham House

Updated 17 March 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 28 February 2022 and was unannounced.

Updated 17 March 2022

The inspection was carried out on 11 August 2017 by one inspector and an expert by experience. It was an announced inspection. Forty-eight hours’ notice of the inspection was given to ensure that the people who lived in the service were available and prepared to receive unfamiliar visitors. Some people needed support to communicate. Gresham House provides support and accommodation for up to 12 adults with a learning disability. There were twelve people living there at the time of our inspection including one person who was away.

At the last inspection in July 2015 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained: Good in regard to the questions: Is the service safe, effective, and well-led? And was: Outstanding in regard to the questions: is the service caring, and responsive?

Staff knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to raise an alert if they had any concerns. Risk assessments were centred on the needs of the individual. Each risk assessment included clear measures to reduce identified risks and guidance for staff to follow or make sure people were protected from harm.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and monitored to identify how the risks of recurrence could be reduced. Appropriate steps had been taken to minimise risks for people while their independence was actively promoted.

There was a sufficient number of staff deployed to meet people’s needs. Thorough recruitment procedures were in place to ensure staff were of suitable character to carry out their role. Staff received essential training, additional training relevant to people’s individual needs, and regular one to one supervision sessions.

People were appropriately supported with the administration of their medicines, with attending appointments and were promptly referred to health care professionals when needed. People were supported with their nutritional needs to maintain good health.

The service was exceptional at helping people to express their views so they understood things from their point of view. They used creative ways to make sure that people had tailored and inclusive methods of communication. Clear information was provided to people about the service, in a format that was suitable for people’s needs.

Staff went ‘the extra mile’ to enhance people’s experience in the service. Staff promoted people’s independence, encouraged them to do as much as possible for themselves and make their own decisions.

People received care and support that was thoroughly personalised. Staff used innovative and individual ways of involving people so that they feel consulted, empowered, listened to and valued. The arrangements for social activities were flexible and met people’s individual needs. People’s care and support was planned proactively in partnership with them.

The registered manager was open and transparent in their approach. They placed emphasis on continuous improvement of the service. There was an effective system of monitoring checks and audits to identify any improvements that needed to be made and maintain compliance with regulations. The registered manager and deputy manager acted on the results of these checks to improve the quality of the service and support.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.