26 September 2023
During a routine inspection
Westward Consultant Ltd is a domiciliary care agency and is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, the agency was providing a service of personal care to 55 people. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safe and protected from avoidable harm. There were process and procedures to safeguard people form abuse. Staff knew how to report any concerns in relation to the risk of abuse. Risks to people’s health and safety and wellbeing were assessed and reviewed. People received their medicines as prescribed. Staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, disposable gloves, and aprons.
People's care needs were assessed and reviewed. Staff completed training to know how to care for people effectively. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The provider had a culture that was open, responsive, and positive. The management structure was clearly set out. The quality of the service was regularly reviewed, and relevant changes were made to improve the care and support people received. The provider had established effective professional working relationships that promoted the needs of people outside its remit.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 6 June 2018).
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.