Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Jennifer M Whittall Ltd is a specialist provider which provides bespoke case management support and advice to both adults and children with life changing injuries, including spinal cord injuries and acquired brain injury. The provider also works with adults and children who have sustained life changing disabilities as a result of clinical negligence. Case managers work with people to set up and coordinate their rehabilitation, care and support needs. This is mainly funded by legal compensation claims. Jennifer M Whittall Ltd oversee the recruitment process, training and performance of staff employed directly by the people using the service. At the time of our inspection there were 5 people receiving support with personal care needs.

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. 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 felt safe with the staff who supported them. The provider’s recruitment procedures helped to protect people from receiving care from unsuitable staff. Staff had been trained and knew how and when to report any concerns about people’s well-being to keep them safe. Risks to people were assessed and plans in place to mitigate those risks. People received their medicines when they needed them from staff who were trained and competent. The provider followed best practice in relation to infection control and prevention and management of risks relating to COVID-19.

People were assessed before they started using the service to ensure their needs and aspirations could be met. People were provided with food and drink which met their needs and preferences. People saw healthcare professionals when needed. People were supported by staff who were trained and competent to carry out their roles. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the provider's policies and procedures supported this practice.

People were supported by kind and caring staff whom they had personally chosen to support them. Staff respected people's wishes and treated them with respect. People lived their lives as they chose and were supported to be as independent as they could be. People and their relatives were regularly consulted about the care and support they received.

Staff knew people well and what was important to them. People were supported to continue with their hobbies and interests despite their life changing injuries. People’s communication needs were assessed and understood by staff. People's relatives did not raise any concerns about the care their loved one received but felt confident action would be taken to address any concerns they may have.

Staff received the supervision and support they needed to carry out their roles effectively. The views of people, their relatives and staff were sought and valued. There were effective systems to monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service provided. The provider worked in partnership with other professionals and people’s court appointed deputies to ensure good outcomes for people. The provider was aware of legal requirements and of their responsibility to be open and honest when things go wrong.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Why we inspected

This service was registered with us on 14 October 2020 and this is the first inspection.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.