Winchester Road

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Winchester Road, a service supporting individuals with learning disabilities. The inspection assessed five key areas to determine the quality of care provided. The findings indicate a consistently good standard of care across all evaluated domains, with a focus on safety, effectiveness, compassionate support, responsiveness to individual needs, and strong leadership. The report highlights the commitment of the staff and management to fostering a positive and safe environment for residents.

On safety, residents are protected from abuse, with risks thoroughly assessed and managed. Staff receive relevant training and reflect on incidents to prevent recurrence. Medication is handled safely, and there are sufficient staff to ensure residents' needs are met, with appropriate pre-employment checks for all personnel.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff are well-supported through induction and ongoing training tailored to residents' specific needs, including areas like autism and epilepsy. The service adheres to legal requirements regarding mental capacity and deprivation of liberty safeguards, and residents are supported by advocates when needed. Residents' dietary needs are met, and their health is monitored, with healthcare professionals involved as necessary.

When considering the caring aspect of the service, residents build positive relationships with staff who understand their individual preferences and interests, incorporating these into daily life and activities. Staff communicate effectively and ensure residents have choices about their care, respecting their privacy and dignity at all times.

Regarding how responsive the service is, residents' needs are assessed comprehensively before admission, and their care plans are regularly reviewed with them and their families. Staff are equipped to manage behaviours that challenge and promote residents' independence in various ways. The service actively encourages contact with families and supports residents in pursuing a range of activities aligned with their interests, ensuring their social needs are well met. Feedback from residents and families is actively sought and used for service improvement.

Finally, in terms of how well-led the service is, there is a registered manager in place who is highly regarded by residents and staff for their approachable and supportive leadership. The service operates on clear values, and processes are in place to monitor and improve the quality of care provided. Regular audits and quality checks are conducted, with action plans implemented to address any identified areas for improvement, ensuring the service is continuously developing.