Archived: Prospect Tree Health Care (South) Limited

During our visit to the office we reviewed four care plans and three staff files. We spoke on the telephone with three of the four people whose care plans we looked at.

People's needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in accordance with their plan of care. People told us that staff were "very good" and supported people as described in their care plan.

Medications were handled, administered and recorded appropriately. The manager undertook an audit monthly and any gaps in records were investigated and explained. Staff had received training on safe administration of medicines and how to ensure records were accurately maintained.

Staff files showed that there were effective recruitment procedures in place and appropriate checks had been carried out prior to care workers commencing employment.

The provider had suitable systems in place to monitor the quality of the service provision. This included listening to and acting upon comments made and audits of care plans, to ensure information was accurate.

People we spoke with considered the service was well managed and they were able to approach the manager if they had any issues.

One person said they would give the service "a high nine out of ten, otherwise there was no room for improvement!"

In this report the name of a registered manager appears who was not managing the regulatory activities at the time of the inspection.

This was an unannounced inspection to follow up on a compliance action made at the last inspection relating to records not being completed accurately.

We visited the agency on 9 January 2013. The manager arrived during this inspection and asked us to leave the office and stop the inspection.

We addressed this with the provider and outlined CQC’s powers to enter and inspect regulated premises, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008. We visited again on 17 and 21 January 2013.

We spoke to the manager, deputy manager and a senior care worker. We spoke with two people who received a service, one relative and a health care professional.

People were satisfied with the support they received from the agency. The relative told us “they are excellent quite honestly” and “there is nobody who comes that I can complain about”.

The provider had failed to ensure people were cared for by suitable staff because their recruitment methods were not robust.

The provider did not have an effective system in place to assess and manage risks to the safety and welfare of people using the service.

People’s personal records were accurate and fit for purpose.