Sands Lodge

“Sands Lodge provides accommodation and personal care for people with a learning disability and autistic people and also people with mental health needs. The service is registered to provide care for up to 18 people. As part of our assessment, we considered the Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidance Right support, right care, right culture that underpins our approach to assessing services for autistic people and people with a learning disability.”

“At the previous assessment the service was rated Good. Following this assessment, the rating has changed to Requires Improvement. We identified breaches of regulations 10, 11, 12, 17 and 19 relating to dignity and respect, consent, safe care and treatment, good governance and fit and proper persons employed.”

“Improvements were needed to ensure people consistently received care that promoted their rights, privacy, dignity, choice and control. Care planning and risk assessments did not always accurately reflect people's current needs or provide sufficient guidance to staff. The provider did not always follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and informed consent was not always appropriately assessed, recorded or reviewed. We also identified environmental risks that had not been adequately assessed or mitigated.”

“Although the registered manager was well regarded and responded positively to inspection feedback, governance systems were not consistently effective in identifying and addressing concerns. As a result, some risks and shortfalls remained unresolved.”

“People, relatives and professionals were generally positive about the service. Feedback highlighted caring staff, good relationships with the management team, effective partnership working with healthcare professionals and positive support to access community activities, education and employment opportunities. People told us they felt safe and supported.”

“We found examples of good practice, including medicines management, safeguarding processes, staff training and partnership working. Staff demonstrated kindness, compassion and a good understanding of people's individual needs.”

“Overall, while people's day-to-day experiences were generally positive, improvements were required to ensure care was consistently safe, person centred and delivered in line with regulatory requirements and the principles of right support, right care, right culture.”