Caring with friendly staff and people fully involved in decisions about their support and care are just some of the findings from an inspection of a service for people with mental health needs.
The Respite House, in Breightmet, received a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
It provides short respite breaks for up to six adults with mental health needs, and is managed by Bolton Cares.
CQC is the independent regulator of all health and social care in England with powers to register, monitor and inspect all health and care services.
It carried out an unannounced inspection of ‘The Respite House’ on 22 February 2017. This was the first inspection for this service since adult social care services were transferred from Bolton Council to Bolton Cares.
The inspection report was produced using a new approach to regulating and inspecting adult social care services.
As well as the ‘Good’ overall rating the service was also rated as ‘Good’ in all categories – for being safe; effective; caring; responsive, and well-led.
The report said that ‘people were encouraged to be as independent as possible and supported to reach their potential’ and staff were praised by service users for being approachable.
Care plans ‘were person-centred’ and ‘people's preferences and wishes were recorded and responded to by the service.’
It also stated ‘feedback was encouraged in a number of ways’ such as a suggestions box and informal chats, and the service had received a number of compliments in the form of thank you cards.
The inspectors did say that the premises were in need of updating.
To tackle these issues a refurbishment is planned for the near future.
Cllr Linda Thomas, Chair of the Bolton Cares Steering Committee, said: “We’re delighted that our service has achieved a ‘Good’ rating particularly as it was an unannounced inspection under new regulations.
“It means our service users and their families can be confident that they are receiving the best care possible. The report has raised the issue with parts of the building and we are already working to address this.
“This report is testament to the hard work of our staff.”
Bolton Cares is a not-for-profit company, wholly owned by the council, which provides a range of care and support for adults in the community including: supported living services; outreach; disability day care; older adults’ day care; extra care services; short break care; and the shared lives service.