Blackburn (Florence House)

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 28 August 2024. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Blackburn (Florence House) is registered for 13 people. There was 9 people during the assessment from 1 May to 28 May 2024. We reviewed elements of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. One inspector, 1 medicines inspector and 1 Expert-by-Experience supported the assessment. We spoke with 7 staff and reviewed records. Incidents and accidents had been investigated and lessons learnt. Polices and guidance were in place. Safeguarding investigations were ongoing, incidents had reduced. Staff were engaged and involved. Professionals confirmed the actions taken for safeguarding concerns. Some professionals said improvements were noted. Medicines were generally managed safely. Team meetings were ongoing. Admission assessments had been completed. Care plans reflected changes in people’s needs and the involvement of professionals. Hospital passports were in place. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it. Risks assessments and safety checks had been completed. Staff understood people’s needs. People were treated with kindness, their choice and needs supported. Most people were happy with the care. Audits and monitoring was ongoing. Feedback was mostly positive about the management. The registered manager discussed the action they had taken to address a concern during our observations. Activities were ongoing. Staff were recruited safely, supervision was ongoing. Relevant training was undertaken.