17 May 2012
During a routine inspection
Appropriate care and support plans were in place to meet people's needs effectively.
People spoken to were very positive about the service, indicating that they or their relatives were provided with the care that they needed, and were given choices about the support they received. They had formed good and supportive relationships with staff. One person told us 'they are very kind and accommodating ' I can't find fault with them.' Another person advised 'I'm very happy with [my relative's] carers.'
People spoke particularly highly of the manager, and her 'hands on' approach, working directly with people using the service and leading staff by example. They felt that the agency had managed the transition from previous services very effectively. One person said 'things have gone swimmingly,' and another noted 'they have dealt with issues extremely well.' One person particularly praised the management's 'clear and straightforward approach,' and the flexibility of the support provided by the agency was praised by a number of people spoken to.
In view of the newness of the agency, the manager was aware that there were areas for further development including recording of further potential risks associated with providing care, provision of staff identity badges, and further development of quality assurance procedures.