StellarCare NW HQ, a nurse-led domiciliary care agency supporting 22 people, was rated Good across all five key questions at its first inspection. Minor concerns about variable visit times were noted, but staff were safely recruited, well-trained and provided person-centred care underpinned by robust governance.
Concerns (2)
minor
Staffing levels
: “People told us that although on occasions their visit times were variable, staff always arrived and completed their call.”
minorMissed or late visits: “on occasions their visit times were variable”
Strengths
· Staff were recruited safely with DBS checks completed
· Thorough induction programme including e-learning and classroom-based training
· Safe medicines management with electronic MARs and competency checks
· Person-centred care plans regularly reviewed and reflecting individual needs
· Strong safeguarding policies and trained staff who understood reporting
Quality-Statement breakdown (24)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: 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: Staff working with other agencies; supporting people to access healthcare servicesGood
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: 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: Duty of candour and opennessGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood