About the service: Endwood Court Road is a respite service offering short term accommodation and support for up to five people with mental health support needs. Five people were supported at the time of the inspection.

People’s experience of using this service:

Systems were not always effective to ensure the quality and safety of the service although people told us they felt safe using the service.

People spoke positively about the support they received. People’s circumstances and support needs were known to staff.

People were treated with care and respect, and they were involved in planning their support to help promote positive outcomes.

The service promoted people’s wellbeing, choice and independence.

People and staff spoke positively about how the service was run.

More information is in the full report.

Rating at last inspection: Good (May 2017)

Why we inspected: This inspection was planned based on the previous inspection rating but was brought forward due to concerns known to CQC.

Enforcement / Follow up: We identified a breach of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 around good governance. After our inspection, we shared our inspection findings with the commissioning team that arranges referrals to the service to support ongoing improvements.

We did not take enforcement action on this occasion because shortly after our inspection, the provider submitted an application to de-register. We will continue to monitor this provider and service until the de-registration process is complete.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk .

This inspection took place on 15 May 2017 and was unannounced. This is the first time we have inspected this service since it was registered in May 2016.

Endwood Court Road is converted house offering a respite service, accommodation and support for a maximum of five adults with mental health needs. Some people may also have learning disabilities. People are referred to the service from a local NHS mental health provider. The service had a regular turnover of people who may stay at the home from one night to several months. At the time of our inspection, there were four people using the service.

There was a registered manager in place who was present during our 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.

People told us the home was safe. Staff demonstrated they were aware of the action to take should they suspect someone was being abused. Staff knew the risks associated with people’s physical and mental health and the actions required in order to minimise the possibility of harm. There were enough staff on each shift to meet people’s care and support needs promptly. People received their medicines safely.

People were supported by staff who had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. People were supported to have the maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were responsible for preparing their own meals. People in the home were supported to maintain their relationships with a variety of mental and physical health professionals who were supporting them prior to using the service.

People told us the registered manager and staff were caring. People were supported by regular staff who spoke fondly about the people they supported. People had key workers who understood people’s specific needs and regularly sought their views. Staff respected people’s privacy.

People were encouraged to have an independent life while remaining safe. People’s care and support was planned in partnership with them so records reflected their views and wishes. People told us the registered manager and staff were approachable and would take action if they were not happy or had a complaint.

People told us the home was well run. The registered manager was aware of their responsibilities to the Commission and they were knowledgeable of the type of events they were required to notify us of. Staff told us the registered manager and project leader were supportive and led the staff team well. People had the opportunity to influence and develop the service they received. The registered manager and project lead made checks the standard of care was maintained and in some instances these checks had led to further improvements.