Headway Suffolk, a domiciliary care agency supporting 16 people with brain injuries and neurological conditions, was rated Outstanding overall at its first inspection, with Outstanding ratings in Caring and Well-led. Passionate staff, dynamic leadership and innovative initiatives such as the 'Brainy Dogs' project delivered exceptional person-centred care with no identified failings.
Strengths
· Exceptionally caring staff who form positive, meaningful relationships with people and their families
· Dynamic, person-centred leadership that drives high-quality outcomes and innovative initiatives (e.g. 'Brainy Dogs' project, Neuro conference)
· Person-centred care planning with people fully involved as equal partners in shaping goals and outcomes
· Safe medication management with effective monitoring and error identification processes
· Robust recruitment including DBS checks and references; no missed visits since service began
Quality-Statement breakdown (18)
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: Staffing and recruitmentGood
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; access healthcare; staff working with other agenciesGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityOutstanding
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceOutstanding
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships and avoid social isolationGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringOutstanding
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles; duty of candourOutstanding
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; working in partnership with othersOutstanding