We carried out a review of the data available to us about Havering Care Services Ltd on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Havering Care Services Ltd, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice
The provider implemented visiting arrangements that were safe and helped to control and prevent the spread of infections. Visitor protocols included a lateral flow test (LFT) for COVID-19 prior to visits or proof of a negative LFT test taken shortly before their arrival. Visitors were given access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face masks to make sure the risk of catching and spreading infections was minimised. Hand sanitiser was available for use at the entrance. Visitors had their temperature taken by staff to check they were not symptomatic of COVID-19. There was a visitor pod available, separate to the supported living site, where visitors had access to handwashing facilities and PPE.
Visiting professionals were asked to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to entering the supported living site. Staff took a daily LFT test as a precaution to check if they had the virus before starting their work in the supported living service. The service followed national guidance when staff tested positive.
The service had enough staff to meet people’s needs. Agency staff were recruited to cover when needed and the provider was able to maintain their assessed staffing levels. At the time of our inspection, we observed there was sufficient staff to support people.
Staff and people took part in a COVID-19 testing programme according to government guidance. All staff had completed relevant training in infection control and PPE. We saw staff using PPE correctly and safely. Handwashing guidance was displayed throughout the home and additional PPE was available for staff and visitors. The registered manager carried out infection control audits of all areas within the home in accordance with the provider’s infection control policies. There was a daily cleaning schedule in place to ensure the premises was kept clean and to maintain hygiene, which helped prevent the spread of infections.
The provider kept up to date with government and local guidance on self-isolation, visiting and outbreaks to ensure they were following it correctly.
Havering Care Service is a domiciliary care service that provides care and support to people living in a supported living setting, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. Four people were living at the supported living site who needed support with personal care.
People’s experience of using this service
Risks were identified and were assessed to ensure people received safe care. Medicines were being managed safely. Pre-employment checks had been carried out to ensure staff were suitable to support people. People told us they felt safe when receiving support from staff and staff were aware of how to safeguard people from abuse. There were appropriate numbers of staff to support people when required. Systems were in place to prevent and minimise the spread of infections at the supported living service.
Staff had completed essential training to perform their roles effectively and felt supported in their roles. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People had choices during mealtimes and were supported to access healthcare services.
People received care from staff who were caring and had a good relationship with them. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity. People were encouraged to be independent and to carry out tasks without support.
People received person-centred care. Care plans had been reviewed regularly to ensure they were accurate. Staff supported people with activities. Systems were in place to manage complaints and people’s communication needs were met.
Quality assurance systems were in place to identify shortfalls to ensure there was a culture of continuous improvement. Feedback was sought from people and staff and this was used to make improvements to the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 27 April 2020 and this was the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on when the service registered with us.
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.