Updated 19 November 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.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care (foot and nail care service) 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
This inspection was announced and the inspection activity started on 4 October 2021 and ended on 25 October 2021. We visited the office location on 25 October 2021.
We gave the service two working days’ notice of the inspection. This was because the registered manager worked part-time and we needed to be sure they would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the service was registered. This also included information we requested prior to the site visit, such as a sample of policies and procedures, staff handbook and the welcome pack new people receive. We spoke with five people who used the service and a sixth person emailed their views about the service. Two people and one relative also completed the online Care Quality Commission ‘Give feedback on care’ form. One relative emailed us with their experiences of the service. We received feedback from three members of staff.
We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with the registered manager and Human Resources (HR) manager.
We reviewed a range of records. This included five people’s assessments. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at observation records of staff practice, an action plan and quality assurance records.