Edwin Therapeutic Unit

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Edwin Therapeutic Unit, a residential care home for up to three individuals with complex needs, including learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder, and mental health challenges. The inspection aimed to assess the service against key areas such as safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness, and leadership. While the service has made significant improvements since the last inspection, the report highlights ongoing areas that require further attention to ensure consistently high-quality care and outcomes for residents.

On safety, while systems for protecting residents from abuse have improved, including the provision of a master key for immediate access and positive emotional support, there's a need to ensure all restrictions, such as constant supervision for one resident, are regularly reviewed for the least restrictive approach. The use of conflicting guidance in risk assessments for this resident also presents a potential risk. Regarding effectiveness, staff now receive more relevant training and support, including induction and ongoing supervision, which has improved their ability to support residents' diverse needs. However, the effectiveness of care, treatment, and support did not always achieve good outcomes, and improvements need to be fully embedded.

In terms of caring, residents reported staff were kind and caring, and felt confident their concerns would be addressed. Staff understood residents well and were responsive to their needs, fostering a positive and inclusive culture. However, the report notes that care was not always person-centred in relation to privacy, as one resident had no privacy due to constant supervision, a restriction that had not been sufficiently reviewed. When it comes to being responsive, the service is performing well, with residents being supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and a positive culture that enhances their quality of life. The provider has also acted on previous feedback regarding redecoration and promoting healthy eating.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, there have been positive changes with a new registered manager leading to improved communication and staff feeling valued. However, quality monitoring systems were not always effective in identifying shortfalls and driving continuous improvement. Furthermore, there are ongoing concerns regarding the management and oversight of the service, specifically in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, indicating a need for more robust leadership practices to ensure all regulations are consistently met.