71 Rowan Crescent

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 72 (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 learning culture, based on openness and honesty. There were clear policies and procedures for recording and investigating accidents and incidents. Records showed that incidents were documented and shared promptly with relevant professionals, and learning was used to improve practice. Staff understood the incident reporting process and reflected on events to reduce the risk of recurrence. One staff member told us, “We always make sure we record and report anything that goes wrong”. Learning from incidents was also embedded through staff training and reflective discussions.

The provider worked effectively with people and partner agencies to maintain safe systems of care and ensure continuity during transitions. Records showed clear liaison with multidisciplinary professionals, including nurses and social workers, when people moved between services. The provider had processes in place to support thorough handovers and ongoing communication, which helped ensure continuity of care. Feedback from professionals involved in the person’s care was positive and highlighted strong joint working.

The provider had safeguarding and whistleblowing policies in place and staff demonstrated awareness of safeguarding risks, including contextual safeguarding for children and young people. Appropriate actions were taken in response to incidents and multidisciplinary professionals were involved where required. However, due to confusion about whether the care provided fell within the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) remit, the manager was unclear about notification requirements and confirmed that police incidents involving the young person had not been reported to the CQC. The registered manager took appropriate action to update her knowledge in this area thereby ensuring risks were effectively managed going forward.

The provider worked with people and professionals to understand and manage risks in a holistic and person-centred way. Risk assessments were detailed and focused on the young person’s behaviours and individual needs. Care plans clearly outlined actions staff should take to reduce risks and support wellbeing. A care worker told us they discussed risk frequently. One care worker told us “We have regular risk assessing discussions. It is so important because this is a young person and we do not want to take his happiness away, but we also want to protect him”. Information was shared appropriately with professionals to ensure care was timely, proportionate and supportive, helping people to feel safe while maintaining stability in the home environment.

The provider assessed and managed risks within the care environment to help keep people safe. Environmental risk assessments were in place and covered areas such as the kitchen and other potential risk points within the home. The provider completed routine safety checks, including fire safety and equipment testing. The home was described as welcoming, warm and well maintained, with risks mitigated in line with the individual needs of the young person.

The provider ensured there were enough suitably skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs safely. Pre-employment checks were completed, including identity, references and criminal record checks. Staff received regular supervision and appraisals and told us there were enough staff on duty to support the person safely. One care worker told us, “I had an induction at the service. It involved training and shadowing. It was 2 weeks long. I felt prepared to start working. It made me confident starting.”

The provider had clear infection prevention and control policies and procedures in place. Risks of infection were assessed and managed, with guidance included in the young person’s care plan where appropriate. Staff had access to nursing expertise and were supported to promote good hygiene practices, including support with immunisations and managing common illnesses.

The provider managed medicines safely and in line with people’s needs. There were clear policies and procedures for medicines administration, and staff received appropriate training. Care plans detailed the medicines the young person was prescribed, why support was needed and the expected effects. Medicine administration records were completed accurately, and regular audits and stock checks were carried out. These checks did not identify any concerns.