Helping Hands – 5 Towns is a small domiciliary care service rated Good overall following a focused inspection in November 2022, having improved from Requires Improvement at its previous inspection in 2019. Breaches of regulation 12 (medicines) and regulation 18 (staffing) identified previously were both fully resolved, with strong person-centred care, robust governance and consistent staffing noted.
Strengths
· Medicines administration records completed correctly and staff competencies assessed; previous breach of regulation 12 resolved
· Staff received robust induction, ongoing training, regular supervision and spot checks; previous breach of regulation 18 resolved
· Risk assessments were person-centred, detailed and regularly reviewed in line with healthcare professional advice
· Safe recruitment practices including DBS checks and references; consistent staffing providing continuity of care
· Governance and audit systems improved; records up to date and readily available on an online system
Quality-Statement breakdown (15)
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
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: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood