# North East Autism Society

North East Autism Society is a CQC-regulated home-care agency in Chester Le Street.

## CQC Ratings

| Key question | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Overall | Good |
| Safe | Good |
| Effective | Good |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Good |

Rating published: 12/08/2023

## Practical info

- Postcode: DH2 1AN
- Registered manager: Richmond, Christine
- Local authority: County Durham
- Region: North East
- City: Chester Le Street
- Last CQC check: 12/Aug/2023 - 00:00

## Inspection findings

### Other

- Finding
  - Evidence: The service worked within MCA principles with appropriate DoLS authorisations in place.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: People and those important to them were involved in planning care and developing the service.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: New software was being developed to improve incident data analysis and reduce physical intervention.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: The provider invested in quality training including new autism and neurodivergence training developed with the University of Sunderland.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: Staff felt respected, supported and confident to raise concerns without fear.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: Management were visible, approachable and took a genuine interest in feedback from people, families and staff.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: Staff understood individual communication needs and supported people consistently.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: The service had enough appropriately skilled staff to meet people's needs, with one-to-one support available.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: Staff understood how to protect people from abuse and had training on how to recognise and report it.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: Staff supported people to play an active role in maintaining their own health and wellbeing and focused on people's strengths.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- **staffing_levels** _(minor)_
  - Evidence: There had been difficulty recruiting staff which had been mitigated via the use of agency staff. One relative told us, 'It has been a bit of a nightmare with use of agency staff and staff changes.'
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- **medication_management** _(moderate)_
  - Evidence: Medicines records did not always include sufficient information to guide staff around correct administration practices. In one location a person was receiving their medicines covertly, hidden in food, but the records did not accurately reflect the practice.
  - Published: 2023-08-12
- Finding
  - Evidence: Advocacy support was available and cultural, religious and spiritual needs were respected and supported.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: People were supported to be active citizens, pursue individual interests, and maintain community relationships.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Safe and effective recruitment system including DBS checks, references, and involvement of people who used the service.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Robust audit programme carried out by the registered manager, presented at senior management and board level.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Assistive technology and symbols were used to support communication, including iPads for people with autism.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Person-centred care plans were developed with people, regularly updated, and reflected individual personalities, preferences and communication needs.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Regular supervisions and appraisals took place with staff to enable them to review their practice and discuss future development.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Staff received training specific to individual needs including autism awareness levels two and three, positive proactive support, and mandatory courses.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Medicines administration records were completed correctly and all aspects of medicines management, storage, administration and recording were safe.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- **medication_management** _(minor)_
  - Evidence: We found there were not always sufficient protocols in place. People who were administered topical medicines and creams had body maps in place to give staff clear directions where to apply them.
  - Published: 2021-10-30
- Finding
  - Evidence: Strong community links including colleges, leisure facilities and employment opportunities.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Robust quality assurance system with audits across all houses and feedback questionnaires.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Positive culture described as person-centred, open and inclusive by staff and families.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Service working within principles of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS requirements.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Full programme of activities tailored to individual interests and assessed needs.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Person-centred care records including 'All about me' sections co-produced with people and families.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Regular supervisions (at least three in 2015) and annual appraisals for all staff.
  - Published: 2016-02-19
- Finding
  - Evidence: Appropriate medicines management with locked storage and signed MAR records.
  - Published: 2016-02-19

## Source

Data published by the [Care Quality Commission](https://www.cqc.org.uk/) under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Canonical page: https://homecarecompass.co.uk/agency/1-902008131

HomeCare Compass is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the CQC.