CQC praises Gretton House for person-centred specialist care
Manager, Sharon McRobbie and the team at Gretton House in Corby, Northamptonshire are celebrating having been rated as ‘Good’ in all five key areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Gretton House which specialises in residential support and accommodation for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome, learning disabilities and/or autism was praised by inspectors, for providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.
Inspectors reported that the service was committed to supporting people to have maximum choice and control of their lives and promoted a person-centred culture. People confirmed to Inspectors they were supported by kind staff who knew them well.
The inspector identified people were treated with kindness and compassion by staff who knew their needs and cared for them in a respectful way. Inspectors observed positive interactions with people and staff engaging well. This was confirmed by people who told Inspectors they liked living at Gretton House and that the staff were kind and caring. One person said, “They [staff] care, well actually the care is excellent,” and “They [staff] know me so well and are easy to talk to.”
Inspectors also reported that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life. Staff knew what support people needed with their nutrition and supported them to meet their needs. People confirmed they felt staff were trained well to support them. One person said, “The staff are trained and know what they are doing.”
Inspectors observed that people’s support was focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and to become more independent. Inspectors reported people took part in social events and employment and staff spent meaningful time with people, engaging in conversations, completing activities or going out in the community.
The Inspector also found there was strong and effective leadership at the service. Colleagues were very positive about their roles, the managers of the service and the quality of care they delivered. People and staff told Inspectors the manager was supportive and visible; staff also felt they worked well as a team and supported one another. Staff said, “I love the way we all come together, the door is always open for advice even when we are all really busy.”
During the inspection the Inspector spoke with ten people living at the home, an external health professional and eight support team members, this included the registered manager, support workers and chef. People’s care records and medication records were reviewed as well as records relating to the management of the service.
Sharon McRobbie, Service Manager at Gretton House said, “Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder resulting in a wide range of behaviourial, cognitive and physical challenges, so it is critical for us as a team to have the specialist skills and knowledge to support individuals to manage their condition effectively.
I am extremely proud of the team here at Gretton who are committed to enabling the individuals we support to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle while also supporting them to make choices, grow in independence and enjoy a great quality of life. We are delighted that the Inspector noted our caring, person-centred culture, rating us ‘Good’ across all five key areas.”
Gretton House, located in Corby, Northamptonshire, comprises of a grade II listed Manor House that provides a good standard of support and accommodation for up to 20 individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome, learning disabilities and/or autism. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.