All inspections: Allied Healthcare - South Shields

People who used the service were positive in their comments about the staff from Allied Healthcare South Shields. People told us; 'It's been very good' and 'I've been really happy every morning'.

We looked at staff training and found that the organisation had a training plan in place to ensure staff were trained to provide care and support.

We also saw the provider had a system in place for checking on the quality of the service it provided which included talking to people who used the service and those who commissioned it.

Staff members also told us they were trained in the use of equipment to assist people's mobility and were clear on what to do if they felt equipment was faulty.

We spoke with service users and their relatives by telephone as part of our evidence gathering to determine the quality of the service people received. People who used the service told us they were aware of the content of their care plans and they believed it reflected their care needs. One person told us, 'They explain everything to me and they don't do anything I don't agree with'. Another person told us, 'The girls do exactly what I ask them to do for me. They don't dictate to me'.

People who used the service told us they received good support from the care staff which enabled them to live independently at home. One person told us, 'If it wasn't for the staff I would have gone into a care home by now'. Another person told us, 'I am grateful for the support I get so I can remain independent in my own home'.

People we spoke with felt confident about making any comments or raising concerns with either their supervisors or with the manager. One relative told us, 'I have no need to complain. If I have any concerns I just speak with the manager and it is sorted'. Another person told us they had concerns about one particular carer and when they raised this with the supervisor, immediate action was taken to address their concerns.

People told us that they had good information about the provider when they considered using the service. They felt that the staff respected their privacy and also helped them to maintain their independence. Some of the statements from the people included, 'They don't interfere with anything, they just do their job'; 'The carers always asked me what I want doing. They just don't do things for me'; 'The staff respect my privacy and treat this my home with respect'.

They also told us that the staff provided them with good care. One person said, 'I couldn't do without them. I would have been in a care home by now'. Another person told us they had only recently started to receive the service, but they found the staff to be 'helpful and good at their job.'

Archived: Allied Healthcare - South Shields

All Inspections

14 January 2014

During a routine inspection

3 January 2013

During a routine inspection

17 February 2012

During a routine inspection