Lifeways Community Care (Exeter)

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. Audits were regularly carried out by the provider; actions were recorded and followed up. The provider had completed lessons learned after each incident. For example, following an increase in some self-harm incidents an analysis was carried out and staffing levels were reviewed by the provider. Learning was then shared with the teams through team meetings. Records reviewed confirmed this.

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. Health care professionals were involved in people’s care. Referrals and assessments were carried out when needs changed. The provider had an effective system in place to ensure relevant information was passed on to the right people. For example, when a person's needs changed the staff team contacted a healthcare professional and make sure an assessment was carried out providing all relevant information to ensure the right support was offered following the assessment process.

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. The staff at each location were able to explain the process for reporting abuse. Everyone we spoke understood the importance of protecting people from harm. The team had safeguarding training which enabled them to do their role more effectively. Safeguarding was discussed in team meetings.

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. Risk plans for people were in place. Guidance for staff was clear and detailed. There was clear involvement from health care professionals when considering risks of harm. For example, some people had medical conditions which may cause them harm, staff had identified these potential risks and put measures in place to mitigate them. If a person was a risk of falls, sensor mats were in place, or a pendant was given to the person. This meant that people could be assured that they would receive assistance if needed without delay. The provider carried out health and safety checks on a regular basis. Families told us they were aware of risk and care plans.

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 carried out risk assessment in the environment. Any risks of harm were fully mitigated. Regular health and safety checks were carried out, for example, fire call points were tested weekly. This meant that any faults could be picked up and addressed without delay. The provider liaised with the housing landlord to ensure all properties were well-maintained and 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 had sufficient training to do their role effectively. Records reviewed showed that staff had regular supervisions and team meetings where they could seek support and guidance if needed. During our visits we observed that there was enough staff on duty to meet people's needs. The provider recruited staff in a safe way for example, by checking their background including criminal checks. References were obtained from previous employers. This meant people could be assured that staff had been fully vetted prior to their employment.

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 understood how to protect people from the spread of infection. Staff had access to personal protective equipment such as aprons and gloves (PPE). We Observed staff using (PPE) during our visit. This meant people could be confident that their health and safety was a priority.

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. Staff understood the process for administering people's medicine safely. The process for administering medicines was clear and effective. People were involved in the administration of medicines as much as they wanted to be. Staff carried out risk assessments which helped identify any concerns about medicines to ensure people were safe. During our visit we observed medicines being administered to people. Staff where patient and supported people according to their wishes. Medicine records reviewed on site were up to date and accurate.