George Hythe House

Updated 3 October 2024

This assessment took place between 8 October 2024 and 5 December 2024. We completed this assessment due to concerns we had received in relation to the safety of people using the service. We investigated these concerns but found no related risk. This assessment looked at all five key questions, Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, and independence. The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulation in relation to safe care and treatment, safe recruitment, consent, and good governance. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations. People received safe and compassionate care by staff and leaders that embraced change and fostered a positive learning culture. However, the provider’s processes did not always ensure regulatory concerns were responded to in a constructive manner. Care plans and risk assessments were in place to provide staff with information and guidance on how to meet people’s needs, but sometimes these documents were not always up to date. People were kept safe by effective safeguarding systems. People were supported in a clean and pleasant living environment, but there were some areas of the kitchen where improvements in cleanliness were required. The registered manager was passionate about supporting people to live healthier lives. Joyful and friendly staff were available to support people with a range of activities. Staff well-being was valued and well supported. People were supported to access health care services in a timely manner. The culture at the service was inclusive and fair. Robust governance systems were in place to ensure service oversight; however, they were not always used effectively to ensure accurate record keeping.

Updated 3 October 2024

We received mixed feedback from people and their relatives about the care and facilities at George Hythe House. Most people spoke fondly about care staff and described the service as a nice place to live. For example, 1 person told us “Staff help me when I need it, they are a lovely bunch.” And 1 relative said, “They [staff] are very caring thoughtful people.” However, not everyone was satisfied. 3 relatives and 5 people indicated that staff did not always respond to call bells promptly, and 1 relative expressed concern about the quality of care people received. They told us, “[Relative’s] teeth are not cleaned, and their nails were filthy. [Relative’s] hair is not always washed and it smells.” Another relative told us, “There have been some instances of bedding stained and smelling of urine.” Despite the contrasting feedback, we found George Hythe House to be a clean, well maintained, and well organised service. Staff and leaders were passionate about providing a good quality service and demonstrated care for the people they supported.