Buckinghamshire disability service passes muster

Staff and residents at a Buckinghamshire disability service are celebrating following a successful inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Sanctuary Supported Living’s Shaftesbury Court in Winslow provides residential care and support for adults with a range of learning disabilities, and was inspected as part of the CQC’s response to the pandemic.

Inspectors looked at the service’s approach to areas including hygiene, PPE and testing and commented that comprehensive plans were in place to keep everyone safe. Visiting procedures were also assessed when, inspectors observed a visitor’s arrival to the service.

Throughout the pandemic residents’ relatives were encouraged to stay in touch and were made possible, for example, by using technology and  safe, face to face visits in well ventilated spaces or outdoors. When restrictions were lifted,  family visits took place according to government guidance.

The report also commented on the robust systems around admissions including a confirmed negative Covid-19 test result and where to allocate people if they need to isolate.

The inspectors added: “There was a comprehensive contingency plan of what to do in case of an outbreak. The management team completed risk assessments to assess and mitigate risks in relation to Covid-19.  Managers were supported by a regional quality and assurance manager who regularly supported quality and assurance audits on the service”.

Rachel Sherriff-Jones, Local Service Manager, said; “From the outset, I’ve been proud of how the team at Shaftesbury Court has done everything possible to keep residents safe and followed procedures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It’s been a difficult time for everyone, but we’ve taken it in our stride and we are pleased this has been recognised during the inspection.”