Blossom Home Care Durham received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first inspection in March–April 2022, with people and relatives consistently praising the kindness, consistency and competence of staff. No regulatory breaches were identified; the service demonstrated effective governance, safe medicines management and person-centred care, though it was operating without a registered manager at the time of inspection.
Strengths
· Consistent staffing with no missed visits reported; people received care from staff who knew them well.
· Robust, values-based recruitment procedures with thorough background checks.
· Medicines managed and administered safely with regular competency assessments and effective audit-driven improvement.
· Comprehensive staff induction including Care Certificate, ongoing training and regular supervision.
· Person-centred care plans involving people and relatives in development and regular review.
Quality-Statement breakdown (23)
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; learning lessons when things go wrongGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships to avoid social isolationGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staff; continuous learning and improving careGood