Heywood Sumner House offers accommodation and personal care for up to 12 people living with a learning disability, autism or mental health.

The inspection was unannounced and was carried out on 26 April 2017 by one inspector.

There was a registered manager in place at the home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the home. 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 home is run.

People and staff told us they felt the home was safe. Staff had received safeguarding training and explained the action they would take to report any concerns.

Individual and environmental risks relating to people’s health and welfare had been identified and assessed to reduce those risks. Plans were in place to manage emergencies including alternative accommodation should the home need to be evacuated. Regular safety checks were carried out on the environment and equipment.

Systems were in place for the storage and administration of medicines, including controlled drugs. Staff were trained and their competency assessed to ensure they remained safe to administer medicines.

There were safe recruitment procedures in place and sufficient staff were deployed to meet people’s needs.

Quality assurance systems and audits were in place to drive improvements. Incidents and accidents were recorded and actions taken and any learning analysed to reduce the risks of it happening again.

People were supported to have enough to eat and drink and their specific dietary needs were met.

People were supported to maintain their health and well-being and had access to healthcare services when they needed them.

People’s rights were protected because staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and ensured decisions were made in their best interests. The registered manager understood Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and had submitted requests for authorisation when required.

People were supported by staff who had received appropriate induction, training, professional development and supervision.

Staff were kind and caring, treated people with dignity and respect and ensured their privacy was maintained. People had access to a wide choice of activities, both at home and in the community.

Initial assessments and transition plans were in place before people moved into the home to ensure their needs could be met. People, their relatives or other representatives were involved in decisions about their care planning.

Easy read complaints procedures were available and people knew who to speak to if they had a concern. People and relatives were encouraged to give their views about the service.

Staff felt supported by the registered manager who provided clear leadership and guidance. Staff felt listened to and involved in the development of the service.