9 July 2018
During a routine inspection
Although people's medicines were administered as intended by the prescribing G.P. On the first day of the inspection we identified medicines administration records did not always contain sufficient information, in line with good practice. We shared our concerns with the registered manager, who following the inspection developed a detailed medicine recording chart to remedy this issue.
The registered manager had developed risk management plans that were detailed and reviewed regularly, however guidance for staff on managing identified risks was not always clear. We raised our concerns on the first day of our inspection. Following the inspection, the registered manager had devised a clearer format enabling staff to swiftly identify guidance on mitigating those risks.
The registered manager did not have robust systems and processes in place to effectively monitor the service. Auditing processes were not in place in relation to medicines management, risk assessments and care plans. We raised our concerns, and following the inspection the registered manager had developed processes to ensure the overall governance of the service was regularly reviewed, monitored and action taken to drive improvement.
The service helped people to stay safe. Staff knew about abuse and how to report it and other incidents or accidents which took place. There were systems in place to ensure there was enough staff to meet people's needs.
The registered manager was recruiting new staff and the service was not taking on any new care packages until staff had been safely recruited. Staff members received the training, support and development opportunities they needed to be able to meet people's needs.
People had a care plan that provided staff with direction and guidance about how to meet their individual needs and wishes.
People told us they were involved in decisions about their care and were aware of their care plans.
Staff had been recruited safely, received on-going training relevant to their role and supported by the registered manager. They had the skills, knowledge and experience required to support people in their care.
Staff were knowledgeable about the people they cared for and responded appropriately as people's needs changed. Staff spoke positively about the people they supported and were motivated to provide an individualised service in line with people's needs and goals.
People confirmed there was a stable staff team and that care was provided by familiar faces. People's feedback about their experience of the service was positive. People said staff treated them respectfully and asked them how they wanted their care and support to be provided.
People told us they had their care visits as planned. Staff arrived on time and stayed for the allotted time. Nobody reported any missed visits.
Staff wore protective clothing such as gloves and aprons when needed. This reduced the risk of cross infection.
People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.
People's views on the service were sought and acted on.
Staff were respectful of people's privacy and maintained their dignity. There were processes in place to monitor quality and understand the experiences of people who used the service.
The service worked in co-operation with other organisations such as healthcare services to deliver effective care and support. The service listened and responded to people's concerns and complaints, and used this to improve the quality of care. The service learnt lessons and made improvements when things went wrong.