HF Trust - Kingston DCA, a domiciliary care agency supporting 13 people with learning disabilities and autism, was rated Good across all five key questions, with safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care evidenced. The only minor concern was relatives' wish for in-person family meetings (suspended during COVID-19) to be reinstated.
Concerns (1)
minor
Communication with families
: “Relatives had mixed views about the way the service communicated with them... Some relatives wanted face to face meetings which were held prior to COVID-19 be reinstated.”
Strengths
· People were protected from risk of avoidable harm and abuse, with staff trained in safeguarding.
· Sufficient numbers of staff were allocated to meet care and support needs.
· Medicines management complied with best practice and guidance.
· Effective infection control and prevention practices including COVID-19 measures.
· Staff were suitably recruited, trained and supported through induction and supervision.
Quality-Statement breakdown (25)
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 live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
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 staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood