Frequently asked questions

Q. Does everyone at the David Lewis Centre have a person-centred plan?

A. Yes, the multi-disciplinary team works with individual people, their families & those that know them best to create a person-centred plan. The plans are reviewed on a regular basis and updated to reflect the ongoing needs, development and aspirations of the individual.

Q. How does the Centre look after the safety of the service users?
A. All staff are CRB checked, in line with the Care Standards Act. The Centre has a Social Work & Protection Team that works closely with all staff to safeguard the residents. There is a robust Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy in place.
Whilst we encourage residents to learn from taking risks, all risks are assessed and management plans are put in place.

Q. Do service users have a say in how services are provided.
A. Yes, the DLC has a Charter of Service User Involvement which places them at the centre of everything that we do. People speak out via keyworkers, individualised PCPs, residents’ meetings, the residents’ magazine “High 5”, which is edited by a group of service users. Residents are involved in staff recruitment and training. There is an active Residents’ Council, representatives of which meet regularly with the Chief Executive and senior managers of the Centre as part of the governance of SAL services.

Q. What training do staff get?
A. All staff go through induction before starting work and are supported through NVQ 111. Managers undertake NVQ IV. There is an extensive training programme, which covers mandatory input e.g. moving & handling, administration of medication, epilepsy. Training is also facilitated on a wide area of relevant subjects such as autism, person- centred planning and ordinary life principles.

Q. What do residents do on a typical day?
A. Everyone’s day is different as activities are planned to meet individual need & aspirations. People are supported to attend educational colleges & to go to work, both voluntary and paid. Some residents work with the Horticulture Dept in the community and others produce woodwork and pottery items for sale. There is a Residents Club, café and shop on the Centre, all of which provide work experience for service users. Two people have been supported in writing books about the history of the David Lewis Centre.

Q. Is there multi-disciplinary support available to service users?
A. Yes, care staff & managers, nurses, psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, social workers, physiotherapists, dentist, GPs. etc The Centre draws on appropriate expertise wherever necessary. Residents are encouraged to use community services wherever possible.

Q. Is there anywhere for visitors to stay at the Centre?
A. Yes, visitors can stay at the Centre subject to availability. Staff will also help visitors to find local accommodation if necessary