Evergreen Lodge provides accommodation and support for up to 12 men with mental health needs. The service does not provide nursing care. There were 11 people using the service at the time of this inspection.

This inspection took place on 26 April and 10 May 2017. The first day of inspection was unannounced and the visit was carried out by one inspector. At our last inspection in June 2015, the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People using the service felt safe and spoke positively about the support provided to them. They said staff treated them with respect. People were supported to have 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.

Medicines were stored, administered, recorded and disposed of safely. Staff were trained in the safe administration of medicines and kept records that were accurate.

There were enough staff on each shift to support people safely. Assessments were in place that reflected current risks for people at the service and ways to try and reduce these. Support plans were regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the care provided met people’s changing needs.

People felt able to raise any issues or concerns and these were dealt with promptly and satisfactorily. There were clear procedures in place to recognise and respond to abuse and staff had been trained in how to follow these.

There was a registered manager in post however they were working their notice at the time of our inspection. Suitable arrangements had been put in place to manage the service whilst a new permanent manager was recruited and registered with CQC. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

This inspection took place on 19 and 22 June 2015. The first inspection day was unannounced.

The last inspection of Evergreen Lodge took place in August 2013. At that inspection we found the service was meeting all the regulations that we assessed.

The last inspection of Evergreen Lodge took place in August 2013. At that inspection we found the service was meeting all the regulations that we assessed.

Evergreen Lodge provides accommodation and support for up to 12 men with complex and enduring mental health issues and a forensic history. Prior to this inspection a change of provider took place on 1st June, from Care Uk to Partnership In Care 1 Limited.

The provider had appointed a permanent manager who was registered with CQC but the person left in October 2014 . A management appointment took place in the interim to the vacant post but was unsuccessful. The provider informed us that a suitably experienced person was appointed to manage the service at Evergreen Lodge from 25th June 2015. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2010 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.’

The service had processes in place and suitably trained staff to support people with highly complex mental health issues. Risks to people’s health and safety were assessed as part of their recovery pathway and the service developed plans to manage these appropriately.

Staff developed positive working relationships with the people they supported. People were supported to make their own choices and decisions. People felt they could share their problems and concerns with staff who were good listeners, and who supported them to overcome obstacles in their lives.

Staff worked closely with relevant mental health professionals and used the information provided to deliver suitable care and recovery programmes.

People using the service were involved in planning and reviewing their recovery plans with care staff and staff from the community mental health team. Recovery plans involved making suitable discharge arrangements for people moving on to less supported accommodation,.

People told us they often took part in activities to help them develop daily living skills. They told us they found it difficult to engage sometimes but staff were supportive and encouraged them.

People were supported to maintain relationships with their family and friends if they so desired. Twice weekly meetings were held for people to give their views on the service, to plan their week and arrange shopping and cooking sessions. People knew who to speak with if they had concerns about the service or the support they received.

The service had effective quality assurance processes in place. The manager of the service and their line manager undertook regular audits and checks to review the quality of care provided. Any areas for improvement were identified and where possible actioned.