Doncaster Community Support

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

Responsive – this means we looked for evidence that the provider met people’s needs. At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s needs were met through good organisation and delivery.

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 made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs. The service had a person-centred approach and included people in their support and goal setting. Staff and leaders knew people well and gave people the support they required to meet their goals and aspirations. People were given the autonomy to choose their daily routines, activities and personal care preferences.

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. Accidents and incidents were recorded, reported appropriately and analysed to ensure trends and patterns were identified. Actions were taken to mitigate future risks, and learning was shared between staff and leaders to improve the service. Staff knew what action to take to report incidents and leaders involved them in shared learning. Leaders were knowledgeable about their duty of candour and ensured they were open, honest and transparent when things went wrong.

The provider supplied appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that were tailored to individual needs. People had access to information in formats that met their needs, such as an easy to read version of the complaint’s procedure. People were kept fully informed about their care plan and were involved in reviews about their support. Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) were also used for people with limited speech. Staff adapted communication styles to best communicate with people. This included using simple language and giving time for people to respond as well as acknowledging body language.

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. Accidents and incidents were recorded, reported appropriately and analysed to ensure trends and patterns were identified. Actions were taken to mitigate future risks, and learning was shared between staff and leaders to improve the service. Staff knew what action to take to report incidents and leaders involved them in shared learning. Leaders were knowledgeable about their duty of candour and ensured they were open, honest and transparent when things went wrong.

The provider made sure that people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it. People told us staff worked closely with external professionals to ensure they received. People had access to equipment required to facilitate their support, such as hoists and specialist chairs. One staff member told us they used noise reducing headphones and utilised quiet spaces for people with sensory processing difficulties.

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. Accidents and incidents were recorded, reported appropriately and analysed to ensure trends and patterns were identified. Actions were taken to mitigate future risks, and learning was shared between staff and leaders to improve the service. Staff knew what action to take to report incidents and leaders involved them in shared learning. Leaders were knowledgeable about their duty of candour and ensured they were open, honest and transparent when things went wrong.

People were supported to plan for important life changes, so they could have enough time to make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life. Staff received training in end-of-life care. This included supporting staff to recognise deterioration and providing emotional support to families. The provider had a policy regarding end-of-life care. This included supporting families after a death, sharing condolences and offering assistance with memorials. Families were given time and space to come to terms with events and be supported in a compassionate way. Support was given to families to prepare for funerals and practical arrangements. Staff told us they would work with palliative care teams and district nurses to ensure people received appropriate support.