Care Quality Commission Rates Oaklea Trust as “Requires Improvement”

The Oaklea Trust, an organization that provides support for individuals with disabilities and autism, has been assessed by a regulatory body and given a rating of “requires improvement.” The Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported identifying “breaches of regulation relating to safeguarding” at the Oaklea Trust’s facilities located in Durham and Northumberland. However, the CQC also stated that there was “no evidence” that any individuals had been harmed. These issues, according to the CQC, included problems with records maintained for those who lacked the capacity to make their own decisions. Jenna Hall, the head of the Trust, which supports approximately 55 people, stated that the group was “working to respond” to the report’s findings and to “ensure high quality care and services” across all its sites. The CQC indicated that it had observed instances of “positive and proactive support” provided by staff, but also noted “shortfalls.” The commission also stated that it “could not be assured the provider had acted appropriately to reduce risk.” It further found that some staff decisions concerning individuals who lacked the capacity to make their own decisions were not documented. Additionally, staff members were unaware if Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) had been implemented for the people they were supporting. The report detailed that in some cases where DoLS had been applied for, staff did not understand what they signified in “terms of people’s support.” DoLS are designed to protect individuals who cannot consent to their care arrangements in a care home or hospital. The CQC noted that while service users and their relatives expressed being “happy with the care and support,” its assessment revealed that the provider was “not always meeting the expected standards.” The report added: “‘Some people had limited verbal communication, we observed them interacting with staff and saw positive interactions.'” It also stated: “‘The people we spoke to told us they were happy with the care they received. They felt staff were kind and caring.'”