Ashbee Home 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.

This is the first assessment for this service. This key question has been rated good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 72 (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. They always listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported any safety events. Lessons were learnt and shared in order to continually identify and embed good practice.

The provider had procedures to investigate, review and respond to complaints, incidents and accidents. A healthcare professional told us, “Assessments have been made in the past and referrals made appropriately to safely support their patients and get the appropriate support / treatment needed.”

People and their relatives told us staff made changes when necessary to keep them safe and well. Comments made included, “The service gets support when needed to improve their lives and make things better.”

The service worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They ensured there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different service. 

People’s needs and care requirements were detailed within their care plans and risk assessments. A summary was available if the person went into hospital or moved to another service. This supported continuity in care for people.

A healthcare professional told us; “I have witnessed first-hand the care and compassion they have towards the people they look after. They work well to create good safe outcomes, and it is clear to see the dedication they put in.They are trusted among local professionals, and I have heard some heart-warming reports as well as those that I have seen myself, from shared services / colleagues about the level of care they provide, and also the difference they make with to whom they care for.”

The service 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.

People were protected from the risk of harm and abuse and safeguarding processes were clear and robust. One member of staff told us: “I am aware of policies, and I know I can tell my manager if I am worried. I am up to date with how to report concerns to [the local authority safeguarding team].”

Everyone we spoke with or received feedback from told us they, or their loved one was safe. Staff told us, “Our clients are looked after like family they are cared about and made to feel safe.”

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 in place to guide staff in areas such as falls. Risks to people were assessed, reviewed and managed well to ensure they remained safe. Care plans were personalised and provided sufficient guidance to staff to keep people safe. Staff told us about daily tasks completed to keep people safe. These included equipment safety checks and reporting any concerns identified so these could be rectified.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.The provider had worked with healthcare professionals to obtain specialist equipment for people, designed to promote their safety and independence.

Staff told us they completed checks to ensure the environment was safe and reported any concerns they may have.

Risks had been identified and mitigated as a result of the provider reviewing themes and trends from records of accident and incidents. A person told us; “They [registered manager and co provider] notice things straight away that no other carers have and do risk assessments, for example, there was a trip hazard that I didn’t even notice.”

The provider had not always adhered to the recruitment requirements in Schedule 3 of the Health and Social Care Act 2014 (HSCA). However, the provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff deployed, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

Recruitment processes required some improvement to ensure appropriate DBS checks had taken place before staff commenced in post. For care staff, an ‘Enhanced with Barred Lists’ check should be completed, however the provider had only sought ‘Basic’ checks. All other appropriate recruitments checks had been completed. The registered manager took immediate action and requested enhanced DBS checks for existing staff, andreviewed their processes in order to obtain the appropriate level of DBS check in future.

Staff told us they received regular training that enabled them to meet people’s individual needs. Comments from staff included, “I am up to date with all my training to give me the competence and confidence to do this and gives me the tools I need to do my job.” And “Training is very well done to a high standard that equips me to give the best care safely and correctly.”

People told us, “The carers are well trained and look very professional and confident in their uniforms.” And, “There are no training issues, they are all very confident and know what they are doing.”

All of the staff we spoke to told us they were subject to regular spot checks and participated in supervisions that they found useful. Staff told us, “Feedback and advice is given and I discuss all of what has happened with my clients.” And, “The support I get is fantastic the team are brilliant.” Staff said their induction and shadow shifts were, “Very supportive and thorough until I was confident and capable.”

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection, regular audits were carried out and action taken to address any shortfalls. They detected and controlled the risk of infections spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

Infection prevention and control measures included an robust infection prevention and control policy and staff had a good understanding of this.

Spot checks identified staff wore the correct level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the task undertaken. Relatives told us, “The hygiene standards are top notch with protective clothing, clean uniforms and gloves.” And, “Hygiene standards are 100% throughout.”

The service made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. They involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

Records showed medicines were given safely and as prescribed. Care plans included the arrangements for receiving and safe storage of medicines, that were checked during spot checks.

Staff received medicine training and regular competency checks to ensure safe practices were embedded. Staff told us, “I have regular supervision and also with all new clients from my manager. They watch me give medicine when supervision to make sure I do it correct. I check the mars sheet and prescription label and also the blister pack to make sure it all tallies up. If a new medicine comes, I do not give this without letting my manager know and wait for instructions.”

Another staff member told us, “We follow the [medicines administration record] MAR chart when doing this which is updated when changes happen to an individual’s medication list.” Relatives told us, “They make sure he takes his medication safely.” And, “The medication is administered in a professional way by the carers, and they’ve never faltered in this.”