Allenby Road Short Break Service celebrates 'Good' in all areas rating from CQC

Optalis Short Break Service, Allenby Road in Maidenhead, has been rated as 'Good' in all areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The report, published on 3 April, follows an inspection visit on 5th March 2020.

The 4-bedroom facility provides 24-hour respite care for adults with learning disabilities, living in the Maidenhead area. During the inspection the CQC found that the service was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. Short breaks are designed to give the individual a break from their daily routine, and parents and carers a break from the demands of their caring role. The report highlights that “People using the service receive planned and coordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Following the last inspection which took place in 2017, the respite service has maintained a GOOD rating, ensuring that its procedures and practices have been kept up to date and staff consistently deliver good quality care.
People who use the service and their relatives were consulted during the inspection. One relative commented “It’s my lifeline," others said "I couldn't do without Allenby" and "I can't praise them enough." A person who used the service said "I enjoy coming here. I like the staff. I enjoy the food."

The report stated “People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.”
Judith Nalusiba, Registered Manager said “In addition to the short breaks we provide for people with disabilities of any age, we support a number of young people preparing for adulthood. The service acts as a good steppingstone for people living within a family home, as they prepare for a move into supported accommodation. We assist in helping them to develop independent living skills, such as cooking, cleaning and how to do laundry.”

Judith continued “This rating inspires us not only to continue to deliver excellent services, but also to strive for even more, driven by our desire to ensure people have a great time when they stay with us.”

Jane Bartlett, Head of Regulated Services said “Achieving this excellent result was a team effort, to continue to deliver a high standard of support and care people and maintain a GOOD rating is testament to the whole team’s hard work, passion and dedication to the people we support.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff in all of our services, for the efforts they are making on behalf of all of us to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic - they are very much in the frontline and are exemplifying their care and dedication, we all deeply appreciate their efforts."