11 March 2011
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Staff and service users who we met together appeared to be happy and confident in each other's company.
Staff told us that in the past Rotel had required them to move at short notice to work at other locations, but now the service is more settled and they work consistently with their service user.
The service users who we met had two or three regular Support workers, who they were pleased with. These staff would speak to each other in person or by phone when changing shifts, so they would know any plans or appointments the person had, and any problems that had occurred.
We were told about a great variety of activities that people had been supported with recently, but some service users were worried about not having enough money for the activities that they enjoy.
We spoke with several staff. Some felt that communication within the organisation was satisfactory, while others did not feel well supported.
The Operations Manager for Rotel told us that they had found that the management team needed to be strengthened in order to provide satisfactory support and supervision. A new Manager had been appointed to run this domiciliary service, and would be starting work with The Laurels Group before the end of this month.