Advanced Medcare, a Leeds-based domiciliary care agency, was rated Overall Good at its first inspection in October 2022, with Safe requiring improvement due to staff commencing work before DBS checks were completed and gaps in recording equipment safety checks. People and relatives were overwhelmingly positive about the quality, consistency and person-centred nature of care delivered.
Concerns (3)
moderate
Staffing levels
: “Staff had started working before DBS checks had been completed.”
moderateGovernance: “We found some improvements were required in how recruitment had been previously conducted but this had not been identified and addressed by the provider.”
minorRecord keeping: “The provider was not always recording that the equipment staff used to support people with their moving and handling requirements was safe to use.”
Strengths
· People and relatives overwhelmingly positive about staff, reporting the service made them feel safe and promoted independence.
· Medication managed safely with regular audits and timely resolution of issues identified.
· Care plans were detailed, person-centred and included risk assessments with appropriate actions.
· Staff had good knowledge of safeguarding procedures and demonstrated appropriate skills and training.
· Registered manager was approachable, responsive and well known to people and their relatives.
Quality-Statement breakdown (18)
safe: Staffing and recruitmentRequires improvement
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
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
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
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
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferences; End of life care and supportGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
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