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Archived: Advantage Healthcare - Fylde Coast

First Floor, 18 St George's Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 2AE (01253) 788344

Provided and run by:
Advantage Healthcare Nursing and Care Limited

All Inspections

8 August 2013

During a routine inspection

During our inspection in November 2012 we found that some staff had not attended one or more mandatory training courses. In addition some staff had not received their three month supervision review. We also found that information held in care files was not always consistent. During this inspection we found these concerns had been addressed by the manager.

We spoke with a range of people about the agency. They included, the registered manager, staff members, people who used the service and their relatives.

People who used the service told us they were happy with the support they received. One person said, "I can't praise the company enough. They are a godsend."

People told us they had received a visit before the service commenced. They told us their needs had been discussed and they had agreed to the support to be provided. They told us their carers provided sensitive and flexible personal care and support.

6 November 2012

During a routine inspection

People we spoke with who were receiving support from Advantage Healthcare service, said support was provided in the way it was requested.

Everyone we spoke with who was using the service said their care needs had been reviewed.

We saw comprehensive checks to ensure that people employed were suitable for the position for which they had applied.

People using the service and relatives we spoke with gave a mixed picture about staff ability to meet people's needs.

People we spoke with who used the service said their support package was assessed and their care plan was drawn up with their involvement.

29 November 2012

During an inspection in response to concerns

We did not speak with people who use the service during this visit because we were assessing the quality of record keeping and the general managment of medicines.

Overall we found appropriate procedures were in place for the safe management of medicines.

3 November 2011

During a routine inspection

We spoke to the manager, staff and people who use the service by telephone, comments we received were all positive and included, "The best agency I have worked for", And, "They are a lifeline for my family".

Evidence we received from talking to staff members show this is a good agency to work for and staff felt supported to carry out their role. One staff member said, "We are trained nurses and deal with complex needs of people. The agency and manager is very supportive in what we do".

Staff spoken to had a good awareness of the complex needs of children and adults they are supporting. One senior staff member said, "Care records are up to date and very accurate they have to be". A carer we spoke to about staff and the way they are treated said, "They are polite and always on time". The relative of one person commented, 'They are flexible and we are happy with the service. The nurses update care records which are kept in our home". Staff members confirmed they are always provided with up to date information about the needs of people they are asked to support.

The manager explained to us staff members providing support to children are introduced to them and their families before the service commences to ensure they are comfortable and confident that they could meet their child's needs. People spoken to confirmed this process had taken place. One person said, "They were very thorough and ensured my child would be supported by good people".

Other professional agencies we spoke to, such as Lancashire Social Services said they

have no issues with the agency and have not received any 'safeguarding alerts'.