Genuine Carers- Enfield

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first assessment for this newly registered service. This key question has been rated good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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 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, incidents, and safeguarding concerns were clearly recorded. Staff had regular meetings to discuss and share lessons, as shown in the meeting minutes. After these meetings, important guidance was shared with staff to help them learn and improve. A staff member said, “We have regular staff meetings once a month and are told about them well in advance. There is always a chance to speak up and share ideas.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

There were procedures in place to ensure individuals’ needs were evaluated before they began using the service. Whenever possible, the provider collaborated with partner organisations to support a smooth transition into or out of the service. Each person had a care plan and risk assessment tailored to their specific support requirements. Staff understood the process for reporting accidents and incidents and mentioned that regular meetings and supervision sessions provided opportunities to discuss concerns and suggest improvements.

A staff member said, “I feel communication is effective when new care packages start. Management share information with us. I have to make sure to read and understand their care plan.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

People told us they were safe in the presence of care staff in their homes and no concerns were raised. A relative said, “We do have regular care workers. They have been coming for 2 years and there are always 2 of them. They spend an hour each time they come. They are very good; I really cannot fault them.” Another relative said, “[Person] feels comfortable, secure and safe with them and so do I.”

The registered manager and staff had a good understanding of safeguarding. There were safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures in place. This meant staff had guidance to use if needed. Staff could explain different types of abuse and what signs and symptoms to look out for. Staff told us if they suspected or witnessed any form of abuse they would report it to the manager.

The provider used action plans and lessons learnt from safeguarding concerns or incidents to help shape the way they worked and improve their performance. All safeguarding concerns and incidents were reviewed by the registered manager to identify actions that needed to be taken and to ensure all reasonable precautions were in place, including maintaining communication with commissioners, safeguarding teams, families and advocates.

The provider identified and took steps to control potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

People and their relatives told us staff helped to keep their homes free from clutter.

The registered manager and staff told us they supported people to live safely in their homes.

Where people required the use of aids for safe moving and handling, risk assessments were in place to support staff to be able to use this equipment safety. A relative told us, “When they hoist [person], they tell her exactly what they are doing.”

The provider identified and took steps to control potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

People and their relatives told us staff helped to keep their homes free from clutter.

The registered manager and staff told us they supported people to live safely in their homes.

Where people required the use of aids for safe moving and handling, risk assessments were in place to support staff to be able to use this equipment safety. A relative told us, “When they hoist [person], they tell her exactly what they are doing.”

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

Staffing levels and skill mix were carefully considered to make sure people received consistently safe, good quality care that met their needs. A relative told us, “We do have regular carers. They are very good.”

Another relative said, “If they are running a few minutes late they contact me and explain why, there may be a traffic hold up or they are waiting with a previous client until a nurse or GP arrives.”

The provider operated safe recruitment processes. People were protected against the employment of unsuitable staff because robust recruitment procedures were followed. Recruitment records showed checks had been made on relevant previous employment, as well as identity checks.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. People and their relatives told us staff used and disposed of personal protective equipment (PPE) safely. Comments included, “Carers wear gloves, aprons and covers on their shoes.”

Staff received training in infection prevention and controland the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and they were provided with up-to-date government guidance. The registered manager carried out spot checks to assess staff knowledge and practice in this area.

Staff members said, “Managers do regular spot checks, including checking the use of PPE.”

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

A relative told us, “They come 4 times a day and they give [person] their medication on time.” Another relative said, “They give [person] their breakfast and tea and administer medication on time.”

The registered manager told us staff were trained, and their practice monitored to ensure it was safe. Competency assessments took place to help make sure their medicine administration practice was safe. Regular spot checks took place which included medicine observations.

Processes were in place to ensure people received their medicines safely and as prescribed. People’s medicines support needs for their individual medicines were assessed and recorded. Care plans described how staff met people’s medication needs safely. Records of medication administered were accurately maintained. Medicines records were regularly audited, and appropriate action was taken if any shortfalls or errors were identified.