Bel-Esprit Social Care Ltd

Updated 12 April 2022

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

As part of this inspection, we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

One inspector completed the inspection.

Service and Service Type

Bel -Esprit Social Care Ltd is a 'care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the CQC. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of Inspection

The inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with one person who used the service and one relative about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including the registered manager, the nominated individual, two support workers and two visiting professionals. We reviewed a range of records. This included two people's care records and medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at the statement of purpose and policies and procedures.

Updated 12 April 2022

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports Care Quality Commission (CQC) to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

About the service

Bel- Esprit Social Care Ltd provides personal care and accommodation for up to six younger adults. The service provides support to people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities in one adapted building. At the time of our inspection two people were receiving a service. The provider had also submitted an updated statement of purpose to add the service user band of learning disabilities.

People's experience of using this service and what we found

The provider and registered manager had recognised that although an auditing process was in place, this needed to be further developed to fully capture lessons learned and actions taken. We have made a recommendation about this.

People living at Bel -Esprit benefitted from safe and person-centred care, delivered by a team of skilled staff.

People were kept safe from abuse and avoidable harm and received their medicines on time and as prescribed. Staff were recruited safely and deployed throughout the service to meet people's needs.

All areas were clean, tidy and there was sufficient cleaning taking place to keep people safe from the risk of infection. There were sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) which staff used appropriately. Staff had undertaken training in relation to infection control.

People received care which was tailored to their individual needs and the service valued person-centred care. Family members told us the staff were, caring and kind.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests: the policies and procedures in the service supported this practice. People and their relatives were involved in care planning.

The service was well-run, and staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Both the provider and registered manager were a visible presence in the service and promoted an open, learning culture. People, staff, and relatives were encouraged to give feedback and contribute to the ongoing development of the service.

Staff felt supported by management and relatives told us they felt confident any complaints would be dealt with appropriately and efficiently. The registered manager was open and approachable.

The provider was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. The model of care promoted at the service maximised people’s choice, control and independence. Care was person centred and promoted people’s dignity, privacy and human rights. The ethos of the service ensured people were supported to maintain hobbies and interests and attend further education and to lead inclusive and empowered lives.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with CQC on 10 October 2020 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the date the provider was registered with CQC and is yet to be rated.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.