London Borough of Ealing

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.

There was a learning culture at the service. The provider had policies and procedures for dealing with things that went wrong. Staff were familiar with these. The provider investigated and responded to concerns. Relatives told us the registered manager gave feedback about what they had done and how they had made improvements. Records confirmed this.

The registered manager told us they used examples from other agencies and places they had worked to discuss lessons learnt with staff to help develop their understanding about good practice.

There were systems for safe transitions and pathways. The registered manager met with people and their relatives to assess their needs. The registered manager contacted other healthcare professionals to make sure they had the information they needed to provide joined-up care. A relative told us that when a person was admitted to hospital, the agency had stayed in touch and offered additional support.

There were procedures to safeguard people from abuse. Staff undertook relevant training and were able to explain how to recognise and report abuse. People using the service and relatives felt they were safely cared for. A relative commented, “We are never worried. We are super happy and trust the agency.” The provider shared information about safeguarding with people. The registered manager knew their responsibilities to work with the local safeguarding authority to help prevent avoidable harm.

The provider assessed risks to people’s safety and wellbeing. They worked with people and their relatives to develop plans to manage risks. These focused on how people wanted to be cared for and promoted their choice and independence. Risk assessments and management plans were regularly reviewed and updated. Staff completed training to understand how to provide safe care and treatment. The registered manager assessed their knowledge and competencies.

The provider assessed people’s home environments to ensure these were safe for them and staff. When risks were identified, the registered manager discussed these with people and their relatives to help them consider ways to mitigate these risks. The provider made regular checks on the fire safety arrangements within people’s homes.

There were enough staff to keep people safe and meet their needs. People received care from the same regular staff. People and relatives told us staff arrived on time and stayed for the agreed length of time. The registered manager explained staff were asked not to rush and to stay additional time if a person needed.

There were systems to check staff suitability during recruitment. These included a range of checks, an induction to the service and assessments of their skills, knowledge and competencies. Staff completed regular training to understand their roles and responsibilities. Staff were supported through regular supervision meetings and appraisals of their work.

There were systems to prevent and control infection. Staff completed relevant training. Staff were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and aprons. Relatives told us they were happy with the way staff ensured cleanliness of the environment and their hand hygiene. The provider had responded to requests for improved systems from 1 relative. The registered manager carried out checks on staff to ensure they followed procedures.

There were systems to ensure medicines were safely managed. At the time of our assessment, the provider was not supporting anyone with their medicines. They had discussed medicines management with relatives and assessed risks relating to the medicines people were prescribed. They provided information for staff about people’s medicines and any risks to be aware of. Staff checked with people and their relatives to make sure people had taken prescribed medicines during each visit. They reported any concerns. Staff completed training in the safe handling of medicines. There were appropriate policies and procedures relating to medicines management.