Visiting Angels East Dorset, a small domiciliary care agency supporting seven people with personal care, was rated Good across all five key questions at its first inspection. Inspectors found safe recruitment improvements, well-trained and consistent staff, person-centred care plans, safe medicines management and a strong, open management culture.
Strengths
· Recent improvements made to recruitment practices ensuring safe recruitment and appropriate pre-employment checks
· Thorough staff induction, regular supervision, training and Care Certificate completion for new staff
· Medicines administered safely by trained staff with regular competency checks and monthly MAR audits
· Person-centred, regularly reviewed care plans developed with people and families
· Small, consistent team of care staff who knew people well; rotas allowed sufficient travel time with no rushed visits
Quality-Statement breakdown (20)
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; learning lessons when things go wrongGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies; 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 diversity; 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: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirements; continuous learning and improving careGood
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: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staff; working in partnership with othersGood