We carried out an unannounced comprehensive inspection of this service on 27 and 28 February 2017. After that inspection we received anonymous concerns that staffing levels were not sustainable and that this could be unsafe. As a result we undertook a focused inspection to look into this concern and check that there were enough members of staff to keep people safe. This report only covers our findings in relation to this topic. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for 851 Brighton Road on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

851 Brighton Road provides rehabilitation and recovery care for up to six adults who have mental health needs. There were two people using the service at the time of this inspection.

We undertook a focused inspection on 05 May 2017 to check staffing levels. We found there were enough staff to meet people's needs and safeguards were in place to access additional staff support should the need arise. We will continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with the local authority to check that people remain safe.

We visited 851 Brighton Road on 23, 24 and 28 February 2017. The inspection was unannounced.

This was the first time the service had been inspected under the current provider.

851 Brighton Road provides rehabilitation and recovery care for up to six adults who have mental health problems. There were three people using the service at the time of the inspection.

The service had a registered manager until September 2016. A replacement manager had not been recruited at the time of the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We found some areas of concern in relation to the environment where people received care and support. These related to health and safety issues and infection prevention and control. We noted the provider was in the process of making improvements. Medicines were not always managed safely. Staff had a good understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities. Risk assessments were created reflecting people’s individual needs. They identified risks and provided guidance for staff. There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs. Appropriate checks were in place to ensure suitable people were employed.

There was insufficient training and refresher training. People were supported for by staff who had the general knowledge and skills to deliver safe care and support. The service worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. People were supported with their nutritional and healthcare needs.

Staff were caring and worked well with people using the service. People were involved in the planning and delivery of their care and support. They were encouraged to express their views and had access to external bodies for further support. Staff respected people’s dignity and privacy and encouraged independence.

People received person centred care that was focussed on their needs. The creation of care and support plans involved people to ensure the delivery of personalised care and support. Clinical support was provided by a consultant psychiatrist with the assistance of registered mental nurses, a psychologist and occupational therapist. People were encouraged to take part in communal and individual activities within the service and in the community. Regular ‘community’ meetings and monthly surveys provided people with opportunities for people to feedback their experiences of the service. The service had systems in place to deal with complaints.

The service did not have a registered manager. We found systems to assess and monitor the quality of the service were not always effective. Staff meetings were held monthly providing staff with a forum to feedback their experiences and ideas for improvement. Records relating to the provision of the regulated activities were fit for purpose.

You can see what action we have asked the provider to take in the full version of this report.