Dana Home Care

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 assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment 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.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

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

Staff worked closely with families, professionals and community services to ensure people experienced planned and coordinated transitions Relatives described how staff supported someone to move gradually from respite support into a permanent placement. Staff arranged meetings with family members, maintained regular communication and introduced support over a 4 week period to allow the person to become familiar with the service and staff team. Relatives told us this approach helped the person settle successfully and reduced anxiety during the transition.

Records and discussions demonstrated that staff shared information appropriately between services, families and professionals. Staff used reviews, communication systems and support plans to ensure people's needs, preferences and routines were consistently understood and followed. This promoted continuity of care and supported positive outcomes for people.

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.

Staff understood their responsibilities to protect people from abuse and avoidable harm. They described clear reporting and escalation processes and knew how to raise safeguarding concerns. Staff balanced safety with people's rights and independence. Leaders reviewed incidents and made referrals when required.

Documentation demonstrated staff reported safeguarding concerns appropriately and shared with relevant agencies. Relatives told us they felt people were safe and said managers responded when concerns were raised. One relative described how concerns regarding staff conduct had been investigated and acted upon promptly. They told us, "They removed the staff. They were cooperating."

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.

Staff assessed risks alongside people, families and professionals. Risk assessments reflected people's individual needs and considered how people could continue doing the things that mattered to them. Staff reviewed risks when needs or circumstances changed.

Records indicated managers reviewed incidents, how people communicated needs, falls and health concerns to identify ways to reduce future risks. Staff gave examples of personalised approaches to supporting people safely while maintaining independence and choice.

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 maintained safe and suitable environments. Staff identified environmental risks and took action when concerns arose. Service audits identified environmental issues, including fire safety equipment, maintenance concerns and damaged furniture. Action plans recorded prompt action to address concerns, including replacement furniture, repairs and improved safety measures.

Staff told us about occasions where changes were made to furniture, equipment and living arrangements following incidents or changes in need. Site observations confirmed the environment supported people safely.
 

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.

Rotas demonstrated consistent staffing arrangements and continuity of care. Staff, people and their relatives told us people were supported by familiar staff who understood their needs.

Staff completed training, supervision and competency assessments relevant to their roles. Recruitment records demonstrated the provider had completed appropriate employment checks.

Staff spoke positively about team working and support from colleagues and told us "We work as a team."

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

Staff maintained clean and hygienic environments and followed good infection prevention practices. Site observations showed communal areas were clean, well maintained and suitable. Managers completed infection prevention and control audits and addressed issues identified through audit activity. Action plans showed leaders responded to concerns regarding cleaning, hand hygiene products and environmental cleanliness. Service audits confirmed cleaning schedules, PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] availability and infection control arrangements were regularly monitored.

People, relatives and staff did not raise concerns about cleanliness or hygiene. Staff understood their responsibilities for maintaining a safe environment and supporting people to reduce the risk of infection.

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

The provider managed medicines effectively and safely. Staff followed clear processes for administering, recording and reviewing medicines. Leaders completed regular medicines audits and investigated concerns when they arose.

Care records reflected changes in medicines and were reviewed with health professionals. Staff discussed people's preferences and needs when supporting them with medicines.