Richardson Care’s specialist transitional and long-term service for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs has been praised by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). The home at 23 Duston Road, Northampton was rated ‘Good’ in all areas following a recent unannounced inspection by the independent regulator.

The service at was particularly praised for its effectiveness, scoring 79/100 and 4/4 in the ‘monitoring and improving outcomes’ section. The report stated that Richardson Care “supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.”

The independent regulator found the service to be ‘good’ in all areas: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, providing “exceptionally-tailored care, support and treatment.”

Greg Richardson-Cheater, Director, said: “Thank you to the whole team, particularly the staff who were involved in the inspection, as well as the service users and their families. We’re delighted that the CQC recognised the great work that we’re doing to improve the lives of our service users. We were close to ‘outstanding’ in some categories, and are never complacent, always looking to improve.”

Improving outcomes for service users

The report concluded that Richardson Care “employed a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which consisted of consultants from differing professions, which enabled the people using the service to access specialist support and care promptly. The team worked together effectively to improve outcomes for people using the service.”

It added that Richardson Care “supported people to maintain and develop their independence, treated people as individuals, and people who could take part verbally were involved in their assessment, development and formulation of their care.

Effectiveness of the service

The CQC looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. The inspectors concluded that Richardson Care “routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.”

Responsiveness of the service

When assessing the responsiveness of services, the CQC looks for evidence that the provider meets people’s needs.

Regarding person-centred care for people with learning disabilities at 23 Duston Road, the inspectors reported that Richardson Care “made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.”

Equity in experiences and outcomes

Some of the service users have very complex needs, and the CQC recognised the ways in which Richardson Care aims to offer all  individuals opportunities for fulfilment. The service scored 4/4 in the ‘equity in experiences and outcomes’ section.

The report stated: “Staff and leaders were innovative in how they listened to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes. Staff and leaders actively used this information to provide exceptionally tailored care, support and treatment in response to this.”

The report added that staff “listened to people and took steps to overcome any issues or barriers in their care. They also recognised specific areas where people could miss out, such as friendship groups and socialising with peers, so provided opportunities within their organisation for people from different services to meet and socialise with their peers. They provided access to specialist support and professionals via their multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which enabled people to navigate potential waiting times, and access the support promptly.”

The full report from the CQC is available here

To arrange a visit to 23 Duston Road, contact the admissions and referrals team at Richardson Care on 01604 435781 or admissions@richardsoncares.co.uk