Kings House

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 inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained 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.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

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. People told us they felt safe living at Kings House. Staff told us they were committed to providing a safe ‘home’ environment. People told us Kings House was the first place they were able to call their own and find peace. Staff understood how to identify signs and symptoms of abuse and harm; they told us the steps they would take to raise the alarm. Staff told us of various real-life situations where they had raised concerns, they were confident the manager would continue to act immediately. Safeguarding training was mandatory for all staff, was up to date, and had included regular updates. People were supported to understand how to raise concerns and reminded of safety considerations whilst away from the service. Staff felt assured by the approach of the manager, one member of staff said, “I feel like they listen to us and take our concerns seriously. I like that staff are protected too. To feel safe at work is important.” Records showed safeguarding referrals had been made as necessary and this included notifying CQC of certain events as required by law. All legal applications had been made in accordance with DoLS, this meant people’s rights were fully respected. The manager had oversight of DoLS applications. Policies and procedures within the service underpinned the practice and delivery of support.

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. Risks to people’s health and wellbeing had been identified, assessed and planned to support them to stay safe. Staff got to know people well and understood how risks could change as they moved through life. Records showed people were fully and regularly involved in assessments of risk. Plans were person centred and flexible to meet people’s changing needs. The service had risk assessments established to protect people and staff from environmental hazards. This had included the risk of harm from equipment and household chemicals.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

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. Staff told us they were a ‘team’ and worked well together. Staff were passionate about the people they supported; they told us this was because they were supported too. People were complimentary about the staff team, each having their own ‘keyworker.’ A keyworker was a member of staff who supported the person and helped them develop their care plans in accordance with their wishes. People spoke affectionately about their keyworker. Staff told us they were supported by the manager of the service; they felt their wellbeing was of equal importance and this had enabled them to provide the best care for people. Staff received training which consisted of both online and face to face learning. This had included specific training for conditions affecting people’s physical and mental health. Recruitment processes were in place, following the inspection the manager took steps to strengthen the process around obtaining full employment histories for staff in accordance with legislation. Employment safety checks such as references, health and criminal records declarations were in place.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.