The Care Quality Commission
  • Services in your home
  • Homecare service

Archived: GDSK

Unit 4, The Old Brewery, Shore Street, Barrow In Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2UB (01229) 838311

Provided and run by:
Mr Michael Pedley

All Inspections

5 March 2013

During an inspection in response to concerns

We undertook this visit following concerns raised with us about this service. During our visit we found on examining records and questioning the provider that the agency was not currently providing the activity of personal care that they were registered to carry out. The provider had not informed CQC about this.

We spoke with the provider and he confirmed to us that the agency was not currently providing personal care to those using it. The manager confirmed that the service being provided to people was confined to supervision, encouragement and prompting of medication.

When a provider is registered with CQC but not using a regulated activity, we refer to the service as dormant. When no regulated activity is being carried on at a particular location CQC cannot assess compliance with the regulations as that activity is not being provided. That is why outcomes appear compliant in this report and why we could not speak to people using the agency as they were not receiving the regulated activity of personal care. If personal care was being provided the service would have been non compliant.

We spoke with the provider who confirmed that the agency would provide personal care should they have a care package that required it. Therefore the provider needs to seriously consider the things they need to do to make this a compliant service if they are going to provide personal care again in the future. The provider needs to inform CQC immediately when they stop being dormant.

6 September 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We did not speak with people using the service at this inspection as we were monitoring the compliance actions that had been made at a previous inspections . At our first visit on 18 June 2012 people using the service had told us that GDSK provided a good quality service. Everyone we spoke with told us they had been asked about the care they needed and said the care staff who supported them treated them, their families and homes with respect. There was no evidence to suggest this had changed.

18 June 2012

During a routine inspection

The people we spoke to told us GDSK provided a good quality service. People said they were, "really excellent", "brilliant" and that they were" happy' with the service provided and said they would "recommend' the agency to other people. Everyone we spoke with told us they had been asked about the care they needed. They said the care staff who supported them treated them, their families and homes with respect. Relatives told us how much people using the service enjoyed it and that it helped them lead the life they wanted and have more independence.

People told us:

" If we have any concerns I just ring the office, I've always found them to be very cooperative.'

" They (support worker) always call or text if there are any problems or want to check something out".