Archived: Allied Healthcare Rotherham

We visited two people who used the service and we telephoned and spoke with 15 people some of which were supported by their relatives. Most people said they were happy with the service provided at Allied Healthcare and received sufficient information about the service they could expect to receive. However one person said, 'I would like the same carer, as they know how I want my care.' Another person said, 'It would be better if they gave me a rota with the staff names on so I know who is coming.'

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. This included staff receiving training in this subject and the provision of protective clothing People we spoke with told us staff always wore the correct uniform and used gloves and aprons when assisting with personal care.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

The service had processes in place to monitor people's views and listen to their concerns about the service offered. Some people we spoke with told us they had raised concerns about the service they had received. They told us that the service had recently made improvements and they were satisfied with the outcome of their concern.

People’s needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plans. People had detailed care plans relating to all aspects of each person's care needs. They contained a good level of information setting out how each person should be supported to ensure that their needs were met. One person said they were “extremely happy with the service.”

All staff had received training in abuse awareness and protecting vulnerable adults. The provider was in the process of implementing a work allocation system that meant staff could not carry out work unless their training, including safeguarding training, was up to date.

Appropriate checks had been undertaken before staff began work. This included carrying out a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, taking up references from previous employers and checking evidence of the identification of new recruits.

There were quality evaluation programmes in place, which included people giving feedback about their care, and managers undertaking spot checks on staff carrying out their duties. This meant that management had a good overview of the quality of service provided.