A SERVICE which provides accommodation for people with learning disabilities has been told it must improve by the health watchdog.

Bungalows at Bede's Close, Thornton, are run by the Turning Point charity, and were subject to an unannounced visit from Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors last December.

It was the first inspection since being taken over by the charity and while the service was rated 'good' in markers relating to how caring and effective it is, it was judged 'requires improvement' overall, including in areas of safety, responsiveness and leadership.

Accommodation is provided for a maximum of 18 people who are living with a learning disability and who require nursing and personal care. The service is split between three, six-bedroomed bungalows and there were 16 people living there at the time of the inspection.

When looking at safety, inspectors said the service was not "consistently safe".

They said: "Weekly fire alarm checks had been undertaken from 15 call points and were satisfactory. It was noted there was a fault on the fire alarm system which caused problems resetting the system on 14/11/2017, though there was no risk of a fire not being detected."

The report outlined this was to be fixed and inspectors were told a part was on order.

In looking at the responsiveness of the service, inspectors said staff did not always sign they had read people's care plans, even though the front of care plans states 'all staff to read and sign that they have read and will follow my support plan'.

Inspectors said: "The manager stated they had noticed this and is working with staff to get these up to date.

"People's care plans also contain a lot of old documentation dating back to 2014. This information may no longer be valid which in turn is not providing staff with current information to adequately meet the care needs of people."

And while the area manager said end of life was discussed with people's families, inspectors said some care plans did not evidence how people and their families, or other representatives, had been involved in the process.

Old plans were being used from the previous provider, which were out of date and not fully completed.

The inspection also found a lack of robust systems of quality assurance in place, a breach of regulations.

However, inspectors said there was enough staff to meet people's needs, medicines were managed safely and a system was in place to log and investigate safeguarding concerns, with staff understanding safeguarding procedures.

The report outlined: "People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way.

"Staff organised a range of activities and events both in the home and the local community.

"The premises were warm and homely and suitable for the intended purpose. We observed staff to be kind and caring during the inspection.

"Staff clearly knew people well and took every opportunity to engage with them."