We were told - It’s the way that we did it!

The Willows has recently been inspected by CQC, which I am proud to say went well, but what I feel stood out from our report was how the inspector felt the staff interacted during the inspection, and the ways we communicate with the people we support.

While she was observing the staff and their interactions, the inspector noticed how people were always encouraged to join conversations and that staff stopped what they were doing to listen and respond to people.

In addition, she observed how people were encouraged and supported to achieve certain tasks, however small, during the evening, for instance setting the tables for tea. She saw how the consistent use of Makaton is fundamental to the inclusion, participation and well-being of one person.

The inspector felt that we had done well making our documents and information accessible and meaningful and could see how this made a difference to how involved people are, for example:

· Service agreements
· My health
· How I like to be supported if I become ill or die
· House meeting agendas and minutes
· Rotas

She was pleased that the people living at the Willows had the opportunity to spend time with her and had plenty of stories of things they had enjoyed and are planning to do, and how they like living here.

As a team, we reflected on the report. We know the way forward is to work with people to further develop their skills and to find different ways to motivate people to take more control of their lives, no matter how big or small that is. We try to do this, working with MacIntyre’s DNA in mind, by identifying opportunities to experience and try different things, which may result in a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

MacIntyre’s DNA breaks it all down. If you put this into your working practise, we believe you cannot go wrong...

...because it is true

“It aint what you do it is the way that you do it”

Sandra Hughes, Head of Service