Vanguards Healthcare Ltd

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 inspection of 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.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. They listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. When accidents and incidents occurred, staff took appropriate action. A staff member commented, “We report via the online incident management system straight away, then inform the manager.” The registered manager had a process in place to review incidents that occurred to identify any trends, patterns and lessons learnt and to share with staff to reduce risks to people.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. Robust systems were in place to ensure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. A staff member commented, “Isend a ‘hospital passport’, a person’s care plan, medicine list and emergency contact details with them if they are going to hospital.” The management team visited people to assess people’s needs and agree the level of support people needed. A relative told us, “An assessment was done with the local authority and the service, the manager was involved.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. Staff and leaders had received safeguarding adults training and knew how to raise any concerns. Relatives told us people were safe with staff support and trusted staff. A relative commented, “We have a good, reliable group of people that we can speak to with any concerns or have additions to [Name]’s care if needed.”

Management had completed risk assessments for people and had put measures in place to mitigate those risks. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs which was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. A relative commented, “Staff are very well-trained. [Name] uses a walking frame, stair lift and wheelchair if they go out.” Care plans contained guidance for staff to follow to keep people safe, including if people became distressed or anxious. A staff member told us, “I manage any distress by understanding triggers and early signs, using calm and clear communication and giving reassurance. I remain calm and make sure I am respectful during the approach.”

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. Risks associated with people’s individual environments were assessed before staff started supporting people within their homes.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. Staff received training and ongoing support from the service to carry out their roles safely. A staff member commented, “The management encourages and takes personal development seriously.” A relative told us, “Staff are well-trained to meet [Name]’s needs.” Staff worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. Rosters were managed effectively so people received care when they needed it. People received care from a reliable and consistent team. Their comments included, “Visits are on time, staff stay the correct times and there are no late or missed visits” and “Name] does feel very safe, they see the same group of 2-4 carers, whom they have got to know and trust.” Safe recruitment practices were followed to help ensure people were protected from staff unsuitable to work in the care sector.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff told us they had access to the personal protective equipment (PPE) they required, and people confirmed staff wore this when required. A relative told us, “Carers all wear appropriate PPE, it is all available in the house.” Staff received infection control training and competency checks. A staff member commented, “PPE is always available. I have completed infection prevention and control training, including hand hygiene, waste disposal, and PPE use.”

There were policies and processes in place to ensure people received their medicines safely. Staff received training and competency checks to observe how they managed people’s medicines safely. A staff member commented, “I have completed medication administration training, and my competency was assessed through observed practice.” A relative told us, “Medication is given safely. I have an online portal link so can see comments, for example chatty, eating well, sleepy. This is excellent for communication as I live a long way away.”