Bluebird Care (Oldham)

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 newly registeredservice. This key question has been ratedgood.

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. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

The provider had systems in place to record and report accidents and incidents. Reflective practice was embedded within these processes, with learning used to ensure lessons were learnt and future incidents prevented.

The registered manager said, “We have a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Where incidents, accidents, complaints, safeguarding concerns or near misses occur, these are fully investigated and reviewed to identify any learning opportunities. Outcomes are shared with the wider team through staff meetings, supervisions, competency reviews and additional training where appropriate. We believe learning should be embedded into everyday practice so that improvements are made proactively and positive outcomes are achieved for the people we support.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

The provider worked effectively with other healthcare professionals to support people safely. Care records contained clear information about people's needs, risks and the professionals involved in their care. Staff understood when health concerns needed to be escalated to healthcare services and sought professional advice promptly.

Care plans and risk assessments were reviewed and updated when people's needs changed or new professional advice was received. One relative said, “The care plan reflects [person’s name] needs, and the carers stick to it and review it regularly, they are on top of it.” Another relative said, “The care plan was discussed prior to starting the service and has been amended as needs have changed.”

Staff worked collaboratively with partners across health and social care, promoting a joined-up approach to care delivery.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

Staff had access to current safeguarding policies and procedures, supported by oversight from the registered manager. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of recognising signs of abuse, safeguarding responsibilities and reporting procedures.

Staff received appropriate safeguarding training relevant to their role and training records were up to date. Staff were encouraged to speak up and raise concerns and felt confident that concerns would be listened to and acted upon. One staff member said, “If I suspected abuse,I would raise this concern with the safeguarding lead and the authorities if required.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe,supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

The provider had effective systems in place to identify, assess and manage risks. Risk assessments were personalised, proportionate and regularly reviewed, covering areas such as medication, mobility, skin integrity, continence, and environmental risks; these outlined potential risks and the actions staff needed to take to keep people safe.

People and their relatives were confident risks were well managed, and staff demonstrated the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe care.

Positive risk taking was encouraged. The registered manager said, “Positive risk taking is embedded within our person-centred approach to care. We recognise that supporting independence sometimes involves managed risk, and we work with clients to achieve the right balance between safety and maintaining quality of life. For example, where a client wishes to continue accessing the community, preparing meals or maintaining hobbies despite identified risks, we complete thorough risk assessments and introduce appropriate control measures rather than removing opportunities altogether. We involve the client, their family and relevant healthcare professionals when required to ensure risks are assessed proportionately whilst respecting the person’s rights, independence and personal choices.”

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

The provider effectively identified and managed environmental risks within people’s homes to support the delivery of safe care. Before commencing care,the registered manager completed an assessment of the home environment, identifying potential hazards and measures to reduce risks. Individualised environmental care plans were developed for people, covering areas such as fire safety, access, lighting, flooring,stairs and infection prevention.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified,skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support,supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs.The registered manager said, “Staffing requirements are regularly reviewed and adjusted whenever a person’s condition changes. Our staffing arrangements remain flexible to ensure people continue to receive safe and appropriate care.”

Staff were recruited safely. Recruitment was robust and included all necessary checks before staff could support vulnerable people.

Staff received induction,supervision and spot checks on a regular basis to observe practice and check their competency to perform their role;as well as offering opportunities for staff to discuss their practice, reflect on their work and identify further development needs.Staff received training they needed to meet peoples care needs.

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 received training in both infection control and food hygiene. People and relatives confirmed staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing support.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. Where applicable, support plans placed an emphasis on ensuring the independence of people managing their medicines.

Staff had received training in medication administration and had their competency to do this checked on a regular basis.

Records were maintained following the administration of all medicines and were found to be accurate. The registered manager reviewed medication administration records regularly to provide oversight and ensure records were completed correctly.