The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Breckland Care at Home

Elmham Surgery, Holt Road, North Elmham, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 5JS

Provided and run by:
Breckland Care at Home Community Interest Company

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

During an unannounced inspection to this service in January 2013 shortfalls were found in the recruitment procedures. Following the inspection the provider immediately put in place more robust procedures to ensure that people receiving the care and support had suitably recruited staff who had received the appropriate checks.

An action plan was received and assurance given that procedures would be more robust when recruiting new staff.

22 January 2013

During a routine inspection

As part of this inspection we spoke with six people who used the service. All of them were positive about the care and support provided. We were given comments such as, 'timely', 'polite', 'competent', 'trustworthy' and 'thorough'. They told us that staff from the office would visit them, in their home, to check the care and support they were receiving was what they wanted.

We were provided with examples of the intervention of the district nurses and GP's for support to people with health concerns. We were told how the health practice works with the care staff offering timely support to best meet the health and care needs of the individual people using this domiciliary service.

To ensure good infection control procedures were in place we were given examples of the training offered to staff, the protective clothing they wore and the hand washing procedures they followed.

Recruitment files we looked at and the information shared by the manager demonstrated to us that not all relevant records were in place before staff commenced employment and worked on their own in people's own homes. This meant that people using the service may not have been safeguarded because the provider had not ensured the people they employed were of good character.

People we spoke with rated the service highly and confirmed they had not had to complain or raise concerns. However we were shown evidence that confirmed complaints would be acted upon appropriately when received.

8 December 2011

During a routine inspection

We visited this service on 08 December 2011. We noted the respectful manner the staff member spoke to a person using the service who had phoned through with a concern. Time and respect was given to the person to enable them to voice what was troubling them. The person was listened to and reassured.

A person we visited in their own home told us that the staff were very respectful and always asked their permission to do the tasks that needed doing.

We were told by one person about the care plan notes held in their home and how the staff members use these notes to know the personal care requirements.

We did not speak with the people about safeguarding people from abuse but we were told by one person that they felt safe with the staff members who visit them.

The staff team, we were told, were good and do the job required. 'They are all very different and some are better than others but they can all help me in the way I need assistance' was one comment.

The one person we visited was content with the service. They told us they felt more confident and able to manage as independently as possible, with the staff team supporting their needs.