4 February 2016
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on the 4 February 2016 and was carried out by one inspector. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service we needed to be sure that senior staff would be on hand at the office to assist us. This was the first inspection for the service since the provider had registered with us as a care provider.
Sydney Works provides care and support to people living in their own homes. At the time of the inspection there were 14 people using the service. The registered manager was available throughout the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were kept safe and protected from abuse as staff knew what constituted abuse and who to report it to if they suspected it had taken place.
There were sufficient numbers of safely recruited staff to support people with their needs safely. People's medicines were managed safely. Risks to people were minimised to encourage and promote people's independence.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) is designed to protect people who cannot make decisions for themselves or lack the mental capacity to do so. The provider followed the principles of the MCA by ensuring that people consented to their care or were supported by representatives to make decisions.
Staff were supported to fulfil their role effectively. There was a regular programme of applicable training.
People were supported to access a range of health care services. When people became unwell staff responded and sought the appropriate support.
People told us that staff were kind and caring when they were supporting them. People were treated with dignity and respect and people were involved in their care.
Care was personalised and met people's individual needs and preferences. The provider responded to people’s needs when they changed. The provider had a complaints procedure and enabled people to access this and discuss any concerns they had.
The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. When improvements were required these were made in a timely manner.