HF Trust – London DCA was rated overall Good following a focused inspection in February 2023, with Safe downgraded to Requires Improvement due to medicine errors, recording discrepancies, and incorrect storage of one person's eye drops. Effective and Well-Led remained Good, reflecting strong person-centred care, robust staff training, appropriate MCA compliance, and a responsive registered manager who promptly addressed identified shortfalls.
Concerns (4)
moderateMedication management: “there were a few occasions where medicine errors had occurred and were due to staff forgetting to administer people's medicines.”
moderate
Medication management
: “we found discrepancies in the recording for 1 person. For another person, we found out-of-date PRN protocols kept in their medicines file”
minorMedication management: “their eye medicine (drops) was stored in their medicines cabinet while it should have been stored in the fridge, as stated on the package.”
minorCommunication with families: “There were recent changes in management at the service when new scheme managers were recruited. This proved to be difficult for some relatives as it impacted on the communication.”
Strengths
· Robust risk assessments covering a wide range of individual needs including epilepsy, swallowing difficulties, moving and handling, and catheter care.
· Staff received regular training relevant to their roles including Oliver McGowan training for learning disability and autism.
· Staff supported people in line with MCA principles, with mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions clearly documented.
· The service followed STOMP principles to prevent over-medication of people with a learning disability.
· Strong person-centred culture with staff listening to and respecting people's choices.
Quality-Statement breakdown (13)
safe: Using medicines safelyRequires improvement
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseRequires improvement
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infection; Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
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: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
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 staffGood