Archived: The Havens

At this visit we spoke to four people who used the service and three members of staff. We looked at the files for six members of staff as well as the recruitment policies and procedures held by the provider. We saw evidence which demonstrated that effective recruitment procedures were in place. People who used the service were supported by skilled and experienced staff who had undergone appropriate checks as to their suitability for their role. People who used the service spoke positively about how staff supported them and that they were all treated fairly. One person told us, "You can trust all the staff, they know where we are coming from."

People told us that prior to moving in and throughout their stay staff had worked in partnership with them ensuring that they agreed to their treatment plan and understood the programme they were following. One person told us, 'They sat me down and explained.' People also said that they had received the support they had needed with their care and welfare, with one person commenting 'They take care of everything.' Care records confirmed that people had been consulted at every stage of their treatment and that staff had provided appropriate support.

People told us that they had confidence in the staff team. Records and discussion with staff evidenced that they had received support and training to enable them to carry out their role effectively.

We found that recruitment checks for staff were not as robust as they should be. Not all staff had appropriate checks carried out and recorded prior to commencing work. These checks would help to ensure that staff are suitable to work with people who may be vulnerable.

Systems were in place at The Havens to obtain the views of people using the service and to monitor the quality of the service provided.