Ignition Care Ltd

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our last assessment we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. The registered manager told us that although there had not been any incidents, accidents, complaints or safeguardings they would always share them with staff if they occurred so that the service could continually improve and develop positive outcomes for people. The registered manager shared knowledge and information with staff during supervisions and meetings and records confirmed this. A member of staff told us, “The manager keeps us up to date.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. Staff told us they read through the care plans to ensure they had all the information they needed to provide support safely. The person using the service told us they had all of their documentation available in their home including their care plan and risk assessments and that an initial assessment was carried out with their input.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.  Staff understood how to recognise the signs of abuse and could describe the actions they would take to safeguard people including informing other agencies if they were concerned about action being taken. A staff member told us, “If I had any concerns about [person] regarding safeguarding, I would escalate the matter with the registered manager and the local authority.” The registered manager said, “We speak to the client about safeguarding. We have a phone number to call and explain to [care worker] on what to do. There are people that the client can speak to. If I suspected a safeguarding with [person] I would speak to [them]. I would report it to the police or social services. We would record it all. And notify CQC.” The person using the service explained, “Oh yes I feel safe with [staff member]. There have not been any problems with my care.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risk assessments were robust and included information on what to do in order to mitigate risk, and also what to do if a risk materialised; for example the person using the service had a health condition and there was a clear strategy outlined to support them. A member of staff told us, “If [person] was having a [symptom of health condition], I know the signs, I’d let the GP know and take action.” They also explained, “I’ve looked at the risk assessment and care plan and the registered manager visits regularly to talk to [person] and any changes are recorded. I am aware of the risks.”

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care and risk assessments we looked at reflected this.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. The registered manager had processes in place to ensure all staff received an extensive induction and staff we spoke to confirmed this. Appropriate checks were in place before staff started work including providing full work histories, references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. DBS provide information including details about convictions and cautions held on the Police National Computer. The information helps employers make safer recruitment decisions.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Infection control procedures and audits were in place and we saw records of this. A member of staff told us, “I observe infection control procedures for the safety and wellbeing for me and [person]. I wear an apron and use sanitisers and empty the bins and make sure everywhere is clean.” The person using the service also told us, “He wears an apron and gloves as soon as he comes in. And shoe covers.”

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened. Medicine competency assessments were seen on staff files. The person using the service had a care plan and risk assessment in place which detailed what medicines they were prescribed and how they liked to be supported. The registered manager completed regular audits and we saw records of this. There was a robust system in place to identify any shortfalls and to ensure people received their medicines safely. The person using the service told us, “[Staff member] gives me my medication in the morning and in the evening. He respects my dignity. I trust him, I really do.”