Updated 5 October 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
One Inspector carried out the inspection with the support of an Expert by Experience.
An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Alina Homecare Specialist Care - Southampton and Hampshire provides care and support to people in the community and to those who require live-in care. The service provides a wide rage assistance to people who may be living with a learning disability, dementia or behaviours that may challenge others, or to people who have had a stroke. Palliative care as well as respite is also provided.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
Inspection activity started on 12 August 2021 and ended on 31 August 2021. We visited the office location on 12 August 2021.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with two registered managers and the regional operations manager. We reviewed a range of records. This included five staff records and various quality assurance documents, including improvements plans and meeting minutes.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records, reviewed various policies and procedures and looked at care plans relating to people who had complex care. We spoke with four people, four relatives and obtained feedback from 12 members of staff.