Holistic Centred Care Ltd

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 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 ensured staff were supported to reflect on incidents and learn from mistakes so they did not happen again. A staff member said, “We reflect on near misses.” Staff followed clear processes for reporting incidents, and learning was shared to make improvements. Records of accidents and safeguarding concerns were kept and reviewed to identify patterns, reduce risks, and ensure safe care.

For example, staff made sure the hoist was fully charged, so it worked safely and did not cause distress. The registered manager shared information in care plans, team meetings, and with health professionals to ensure consistent and safe support.

The registered manager held regular team and one-to-one meetings to review incidents, share learning, and reduce risks. They worked with healthcare professionals to make sure care met people’s needs and complied with regulations.

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.

The registered manager assessed people’s needs before their care started. They told us, “We assess care needs with clients and families before taking on a package.” Staff supported people access healthcare services when needed. Health professionals, along with people and their relatives were involved in planning care so people could live safely in the community.

The registered manager updated care plans when people’s needs changed to make sure staff provided the right support. The provider only accepted new care packages after checking they had the right staff to meet the person’s needs and ensure a safe start to the service

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 were supported in a way that reduced the risk of abuse. People and their relatives told us they felt safe with the care team. A person said, “I feel safe with the care staff and have nothing to worry about.”

Staff understood their duty to protect people from harm. A staff member told us, “Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse, harm, and neglect, and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.” They knew the signs of abuse and how to report concerns. Staff received safeguarding training to help keep people safe.

The registered manager understood their safeguarding responsibilities and worked closely with the local authority when concerns were raised.

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.

People and their relatives were involved in assessing and managing risks, helping to reduce the risk of avoidable harm. A staff member of staff said, “I am aware of the risks associated with hoisting which include equipment failure or incorrect use. Before hoisting, I check that the hoist is working, the battery is charged, the sling is correctly positioned, and the environment is safe.”

Care plans clearly described what people could do safely on their own and when staff support was needed, such as with medicines, money, personal care, and meals. Records showed that staff followed guidance and managed risks safely.

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 registered manager undertook assessments and made sure people had the right equipment to meet their needs. The provider checked people’s homes and equipment for risks and supported them to keep their surroundings safe. Risk assessments identified hazards, such as trip or fire risks. Staff followed procedures, used equipment safely, and took care when supporting people in a safe environment.

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.

People were supported by enough staff who were trained and skilled for their roles, in line with the provider’s mandatory training. A person told us, “[Care staff] know their jobs and do them well.” A staff member said, “I work with two other carers. My shifts are planned through a monthly rota provided by my manager. The rota clearly shows my working days and rest days, which helps me plan ahead.” Staff were consistent, knew people well, and provided care without rushing. They were provided with sufficient time to travel.

The provider ensured staffing levels and skills matched people’s needs, including complex care requirements, meeting regulations for safe and effective care. Staff received training and guidance from healthcare professionals to deliver personalised and safe care. Recruitment processes were safe, ensuring staff were suitable to provide care.

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 were trained in infection prevention and control (IPC) and followed hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection. The registered manager made sure staff had and used personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. A person told us, “The [registered manager] visits weekly to check that everything is going smoothly.” Staff supported people with personal care and kept their homes clean and comfortable.

Staff followed safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. They prepared meals hygienically, cleaned surfaces and equipment, and washed hands regularly. The registered manager monitored practices through supervision, spot checks, and team discussions to make sure food was prepared safely and care delivered and in line with IPC regulations.

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.

People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. Staff were trained, assessed for competency, and kept accurate medicine records. The registered manager regularly audited medicine administration and worked with GPs and pharmacies to review medicines and support people in collecting them. Policies and procedures were in place and updated as needed to meet regulatory requirements.