We undertook an unannounced inspection on 22 May 2018 of Parkhill Care Homes. Parkhill Care Homes is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing, or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The service accommodates up to five people who have learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of the inspection, five people were using the service.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission [CQC] 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

This was the service’s first inspection since their registration on 5 April 2017.

People's health and social care needs had been appropriately assessed. Care plans were person-centred, and specific to each person and their needs. Care preferences were documented and staff we spoke with were aware of people's likes and dislikes. Care plans were regularly reviewed and were updated when people's needs changed.

Systems and processes were in place to help protect people from the risk of harm. Staff had received training in safeguarding adults and knew how to recognise and report any concerns or allegations of abuse. Risks to people were identified and managed so that people were safe. Accidents and incidents were recorded and measures put in place to avoid reoccurrence. Infection control policies and measures were in place for infection prevention.

Systems were in place to make sure people received their medicines safely.

The service has sufficient staff to support people with their needs. Staff had been recruited and provided with induction and training to enable them to support people effectively. They had the necessary support, supervision and appraisals from the management team.

The service complied with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People were supported to have 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.

People were supported with their nutritional and hydration needs. Staff were aware of people’s dietary requirements and the support they needed with their food and drink.

People were supported to maintain good health and access health and medical services when necessary.

People were treated with respect and dignity. We observed positive interaction between staff and people using the service.

Procedures were in place for receiving, handling and responding to comments and complaints. Complaints had been dealt with appropriately and in a timely manner.

Staff told us that they received up to date information about the service and had an opportunity to share good practice and any concerns they had at team meetings. Staff spoke positively about working for the service.

The quality of the service was monitored and regular audits had been carried out by management. There were systems in place to make necessary improvements when needed.