London Homework: Wandsworth

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 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 positive and open culture of safety, where learning from incidents was used to improve practice. There was a clear accident and incident reporting system in place, which recorded what happened, actions taken and learning identified. These records were completed appropriately and showed that lessons were shared and embedded. Staff understood the system and their responsibilities. One staff member told us, “We have a system for logging any incidents. All of my clients are safe though and there hasn’t been an accident with any of them for the three years I’ve been working here.”

The provider worked with people and relevant professionals to maintain safe systems of care. Care planning and record keeping supported continuity, and information was shared appropriately when people’s needs changed. Where people required additional support or specialist input, referrals were made to health and social care professionals to help ensure care remained safe and coordinated. Systems were in place to manage care safely across people’s care journeys.

People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm because safeguarding systems were effective. There were clear safeguarding and whistleblowing policies in place, and staff demonstrated a good understanding of how to recognise and report concerns. Safeguarding information was reflected in care plans where people had a history of concerns. People using the service said they felt safe. One person said, “I do feel safe with them.” A member of staff explained, “If there was a problem, I would report it to my manager.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks in a way that supported safety while promoting choice and independence. Risks were clearly

described in care plans, with guidance for staff on how to reduce harm. For people with complex needs, detailed risk management plans were in place to support safe care. People’s abilities and limitations were clearly set out, helping staff to deliver care safely and consistently.

Environmental risks were identified and managed to help keep people safe in their own homes. Care plans included environmental risk assessments, such as fire safety and general household risks. Equipment and adaptations were considered as part of risk management. These arrangements helped to ensure that the care environment supported the safe delivery of care.

There were enough suitably skilled and trained staff to provide safe care. Recruitment processes included appropriate pre-employment checks. Training records showed staff completed required training and demonstrated competence. Staff received induction, supervision and ongoing support. One care worker said, “I felt ready to work at the end of this… we’ve had ongoing training every month.” Staff told inspectors they felt supported to carry out their roles safely.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection effectively. Care plans included clear guidance on infection control, particularly for people at increased risk. Policies and procedures were in place to support good practice. Staff had access to appropriate personal protective equipment and understood how to reduce the risk of infection. One staff member said, “We get all the equipment we need like gloves.”

Medicines were managed safely and in line with people’s needs. Staff received training in medicines administration and their competence was assessed. Medicines care plans clearly described how medicines should be taken, and records were completed accurately. Audits were carried out and did not identify concerns. Where people or family members managed medicines, this was clearly documented, and staff supported people appropriately.