Background to this inspection
Updated
9 December 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with two families who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager.
We reviewed a range of records. This included five children’s care records and staff files in relation to recruitment. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We received feedback from one professional who works alongside the service.
Updated
9 December 2021
About the service
Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides emotional and practical support, including personal care, to families who have a child with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
At the time of this inspection 52 children were being supported under the regulated activity. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided. A further 20 families were receiving support outside of the regulated activity.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Risks to children’s personal safety had been assessed and actions recorded to minimise these risks. Staff had undertaken safeguarding training and were aware of their responsibilities to identify and report potential abuse. Staff monitored the risks to the families they supported and updated these as required.
Staff felt there was enough time to give families the support they needed. Staff prioritised families according to the needs of the children and closed cases when support was no longer needed.
The service did not administer any medicines or offer this kind of support to people. However, during the pandemic staff collected and delivered medicines for families who had members that needed to shield due to being clinically vulnerable.
Staff had good access to personal protective equipment and protocols and risk assessments were in place to maintain the safety of those being supported and the staff. Staff were part of a regular testing programme and would test before each family visit if requested. Families told us staff had followed the infection control measures the service had put in place in order to minimise the risk during support visits.
The service promoted a positive culture. Staff were passionate about the role they had supporting families and took pride from the difference they made. Staff told us the registered manager was approachable and available and supported them well.
Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality of service being delivered. Families and professionals had the opportunity to give feedback on the service which enabled them to review the service offered. Staff were able to be part of team meetings and monthly supervisions.
The staff and management had worked creatively to meet people’s needs and continue their support during the pandemic. From August they implemented digital support to reach families when visiting them in person was not possible. The service worked collaboratively with different professionals in order to maximise outcomes for people.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 24 August 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
We reviewed the information we held about the service. No areas of concern were identified in the other key questions. We therefore did not inspect them. Ratings from previous comprehensive inspections for those key questions were used in calculating the overall rating at this inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.