Agency profile · CQC 1-902008131

North East Autism Society

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Provider

County Durham · North East · Active since 20/0

GoodHome-careRM: Richmond, Christine

Overall rating

Good

safeGood

effectiveGood

caringGood

responsiveGood

well-ledGood

Last inspection

2 years ago

12/Aug/2023 - 00:00

Inspected 2 years ago

Overview Inspections (3)Findings (4)Owner-management Methodology

Inspection reports (3)

Inspection report · 2023-08-12
Framework: KLOE · 10 pages · 79 KB · PDF
Good
safe: Goodwell-led: Good
North East Autism Society was rated Good overall following a focused inspection of Safe and Well-Led key questions, with the service demonstrating strong safeguarding practice, person-centred support and visible leadership. A recommendation was made regarding medicines records, particularly around covert administration guidance and 'when required' medicines, though no harm had occurred.
Concerns (2)
- moderateMedication management: “Medicines records did not always include sufficient information to guide staff around correct administration practices. In one location a person was receiving their medicines covertly, hidden in food, but the records did not accurately reflect the practice.”
- minorStaffing levels: “There had been difficulty recruiting staff which had been mitigated via the use of agency staff. One relative told us, 'It has been a bit of a nightmare with use of agency staff and staff changes.'”

Strengths

· Staff supported people to play an active role in maintaining their own health and wellbeing and focused on people's strengths.
· Staff understood how to protect people from abuse and had training on how to recognise and report it.
· The service had enough appropriately skilled staff to meet people's needs, with one-to-one support available.
· Staff understood individual communication needs and supported people consistently.
· Management were visible, approachable and took a genuine interest in feedback from people, families and staff.

Inspection report · 2021-10-30

Framework: KLOE · 14 pages · 70 KB · PDF

Good

safe: Goodeffective: Goodcaring: Goodresponsive: Goodwell-led: Good

North East Autism Society maintained a Good rating across all five key questions at this announced inspection in August 2018, with strong person-centred care, effective medicines management, and robust governance systems in place. One minor gap was identified regarding PRN medication protocols, which was promptly addressed by the registered manager during the inspection.

Concerns (1)

minorMedication management: “We found there were not always sufficient protocols in place. People who were administered topical medicines and creams had body maps in place to give staff clear directions where to apply them.”

Strengths

· Medicines administration records were completed correctly and all aspects of medicines management, storage, administration and recording were safe.
· Staff received training specific to individual needs including autism awareness levels two and three, positive proactive support, and mandatory courses.
· Regular supervisions and appraisals took place with staff to enable them to review their practice and discuss future development.
· Person-centred care plans were developed with people, regularly updated, and reflected individual personalities, preferences and communication needs.
· Assistive technology and symbols were used to support communication, including iPads for people with autism.

Inspection report · 2016-02-19

Framework: KLOE · 16 pages · 75 KB · PDF

Good

safe: Goodeffective: Goodcaring: Goodresponsive: Goodwell-led: Good

North East Autism Society was rated Good across all five key questions at its announced inspection in December 2015 and January 2016, with 19 people receiving personal care in supported living. The service demonstrated strong person-centred practice, effective governance and safeguarding, with only a minor gap noted in some staff refresher training being overdue.

Concerns (1)

minorStaff training: “Records showed most staff training was up to date although some staff were due refresher training in some areas.”

Strengths

· Sufficient staffing levels with effective recruitment and selection procedures including DBS checks and references.
· Thorough safeguarding investigations carried out in response to incidents or allegations.
· Appropriate medicines management with locked storage and signed MAR records.
· Regular supervisions (at least three in 2015) and annual appraisals for all staff.
· Person-centred care records including 'All about me' sections co-produced with people and families.