Deaconstar Limited, a supported living service for people with a learning disability and/or autism in Bishop Auckland, was rated Good overall following a focused inspection of Safe and Well-led on 20 November 2023. Minor recommendations were made regarding medicines documentation practices, but no regulatory breaches were identified and the service demonstrated consistent, person-centred care with positive outcomes for people.
Concerns (3)
minor
Medication management
: “For some people it was not clearly documented how and when topical medicines, such as creams applied to the skin, should be given. There was not always a 'body map'.”
minorMedication management: “One person was prescribed insulin, although this was given safely, some supporting documents were inconsistently completed.”
minorRecord keeping: “For some people documents relating to MCA required updating. The registered manager had contacted relevant parties to review and update these.”
Strengths
· People received kind and compassionate care with consistently positive feedback from people and relatives.
· Staffing levels had improved, with people having consistent and familiar staff teams.
· Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding and received appropriate training.
· Risk assessments included positive risk taking, promoting independence and choice.
· A positive, open and inclusive culture was promoted by the registered manager.
Quality-Statement breakdown (11)
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuse and avoidable harmGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
safe: Is consent to care and treatment always sought in line with legislation and guidance?Good
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles; continuous learning and improving careGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood