First Option Healthcare received a focused Good rating across all three inspected key questions (safe, effective, well-led) following concerns about staff training and management communication, with the provider having already recognised and addressed the issues raised. The service demonstrated strong person-centred, clinically-led care for a complex caseload of 95 people, supported by robust governance, multi-disciplinary working and a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
Strengths
· Staff completed comprehensive safeguarding training for both adults and children with detailed policies covering signs, triggers and risk factors.
· Dedicated recruitment team met with people before care started to match staff with the right skills and aptitude for each bespoke care package.
· Medicines administered safely with MAR records kept at people's homes and competency checks carried out by clinical leads.
· Holistic, person-centred care records covered clinical needs, hobbies, interests and cultural and religious beliefs.
· Strong multi-disciplinary working with commissioners, GPs, occupational health practitioners, local authorities and charities.
Quality-Statement breakdown (16)
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 to provide consistent, effective, timely careGood
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: 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