Archived: CC Northwich Network

We looked at the management of medication and saw that the service had appropriate policies and procedures in place. Staff received training in medication and people who used the agency confirmed that staff supported them with administration of medication when necessary.

We looked at staff recruitment and saw that appropriate processes were in place and that people who used CC Northwich Network were protected by robust recruitment processes and practices.

We saw the quality assurance processes and record keeping undertaken by the service and found that these were good and that robust systems were in place.

We visited seven people who used the agency and one relative. We also spoke with five staff members during the inspection. People we spoke with confirmed they were satisfied with the service. Some of the people who used the agency were not able to say what the service was like and we observed some interactions between people who used the agency and the staff team.

People who used the service said: 'The staff are lovely', 'It's nice here' and 'The staff are good.'

Staff commented: 'The training is better, we have more available now', 'We have enough staff to support people', 'The staff team are good' and 'I am kept well informed of changes.' All the staff said they got good support from the management team and that they had no concerns about the welfare of the people they supported.

We spoke with three relatives and they commented "My relative seems happy and has never complained", "The staff are ok" and "My relatives needs are looked after."

We contacted Cheshire West and Chester local authority who confirmed there were no issues of concern with regards to this service. We have received no concerns regarding this service.

We looked at six staff files and found that regular supervision was undertaken. However there was no documentation to show that annual appraisals and direct observations had been completed. New staff undertook an induction course and staff had access to a wide range of training. All staff spoken with said that the staff team was good and that they got good support from the team leaders.

Staff commented: "The staff team is good, staff really care about the service users", "The training is ok but more courses would be good", "I find my job rewarding." Other comments included "The courses are good and thorough", "We have regular team meetings" and "We get much better training now."