Sister Dorothy Healthcare

Updated 16 September 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.

Inspection team

The inspection was conducted 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 48 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.

Inspection activity started on 21 June 2021 and ended on 20 August 2021. We visited the office location on these dates.

What we did before the inspection

The provider did not complete the required Provider Information Return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about the service, what it does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account in making our judgements in this report.

During the inspection

We spoke with one person who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager and two care workers.

We reviewed a range of information. This included care records and a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 16 September 2021

About the service

Sister Dorothy Healthcare is a domiciliary care service. At the time of our inspection they were providing support to one person.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People told us they felt well supported by the service.

People’s care needs were assessed and planned to support their needs safely. Staff had received safeguarding training and knew how to report any concerns. Safe recruitment systems were in place to ensure suitable staff were employed. People told us they were supported by regular staff. Systems were in place to support people with their prescribed medicines. Infection control processes were in place and staff had access to personal protective equipment (PPE) which they used when supporting people.

People were support by staff who were well trained. Newly appointed staff received an induction and on-going training and supervision to develop their skills and knowledge.

People spoke positively about the kind, caring attitude of staff and were satisfied with the care and support they received. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and people's independence was promoted.

Care plans were person centred, detailing people’s preferences and how they liked to be supported. People were consulted over their care and support needs and were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The service was well led. The registered manager had systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service.

We have made a recommendation about staff recruitment.

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 8 August 2017 and this is their first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned 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.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk