Disability short break service '˜must improve'

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission this week released a report showing the Chorley and South Ribble Short Break Services in Leyland, was not always safe and not always well-led.

Several issues around medicines management were noted, there were gaps in risk assessments, and there were a number of breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008, relating to safe care and treatment and safeguarding people from abuse.

However, it was found the service had improved from a previous inspection in 2015. Staff interacted with users in a “kind and considerate way” and support plans were good.

Tony Pounder, Lancashire County Council’s director of adult services, which runs the service, said: “Whilst we are disappointed with the outcome, we accept the inspectors’ findings, and we have already put actions in place since the inspection in January to address the issues identified. Progress is already being made to make sure that the necessary improvements happen quickly.

“The inspectors identified many areas of strength within the service, importantly that it is effective, and that people’s rights are protected.

“The report highlighted the positive staff culture, and recognised that staff are skilled and are well trained to make sure they meet people’s needs. Relatives of people using the service told the inspectors that the care and support that their loved ones receive is ‘fantastic’.”