Hallam24 Healthcare

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

People were safeguarded from abuse and avoidable harm. Staff told us they were well supported by the management team and felt confident to raise any concerns. Staff knew how to report such concerns promptly. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. Risk assessments about care were person-centred, proportionate, and regularly reviewed with the person, where possible. Staff followed infection control procedures. Safe staffing levels and robust recruitment procedures were in place. Medicines were managed safely.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People told us that staff listened to ensure they received care and support in the way they preferred.

Management told us they prioritised the involvement of the people they supported in their own care management plans. This approach ensures that services are tailored to individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Incidents and accidents were reported and appropriately recorded and responded to. There was good analysis of any incident to ensure lessons were learnt. The information was shared with people and families.

People and relatives told us health was monitored. Relatives said they were kept informed of any changes and advised when to contact the GP. We saw evidence in care plans of involvement of health care professionals where required.

The manager explained how they monitored care needs to ensure information was shared, reviewed and they carried out root cause analysis and fact finding to ensure lessons were learnt to improve the service.

The commissioners informed us they found the service to always be responsive to any issues raised and at the time of the assessment they had no ongoing concerns.

Processes were in place to enable a smooth transition between services and to reduce the impact on people. The provider had a robust system in palace to record, monitor and review care needs so appropriate information was shared between staff and other professionals.

People told us they felt safe and had no worries or concerns. People felt confident they could raise concerns if they needed to. One person said, “I`m very safe, we get on well together they [staff] are very good.”

People recognise and report abuse and poor care. One staff member said, “We had a good induction and get good training, I feel confident to be able to report anything and I will be listened to were safeguarded from abuse and possible harm. Staff received safeguarding training and demonstrated a clear understanding about how to.”

There were effective systems, processes and practices to make sure people were protected from abuse and neglect. There was a commitment to taking immediate action to keep people safe from abuse and neglect. This included working with partners in a collaborative way. People’s care records showed the service was working within the principles of the MCA

Risks were identified and detailed in peoples plans of care.

The management team held regular meetings with people they support, their families, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss potential risks and how they can be managed. These discussions are conducted in a person-centred manner, ensuring that the voice of the individual is central to the planning process.

People had individual risk assessments in place and the care plans detailed actions to be taken.

People were cared for in a safe environment. People told us staff managed their moving and handling safely, ensuring equipment was used correctly. One person said, “They [staff] are well trained, I have no concerns.”

Management told us regular meetings were held with people they support, their families, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss potential risks and how they can be managed.

Environmental safety checks were in place, ensuring any risks to staff in people’s homes were identified. There were lone working risk assessments in place to ensure staffs safety.

People told us staff mostly turned up on time, stayed for the required time and they always had the same group of care staff. One person said, “Staff are on time and do what they have to do. They don’t ring as they are never that late and never miss a call.” Another person said, “I get 3 regulars and one new one, they are all very good.” A relative told us “[name] get 2 or 3 regular carers that suits them and us.” A small number of people said calls were not on time that they varied, one person said, “The call should be at 7am, but they can come from 6.15am and sometimes as late as 10am.” However, said they did get the same 3 care staff.

There was a comprehensive recruitment process that includes detailed screening of qualifications, background checks, and verification of previous employment. For agency staff, we work with reputable agencies that adhere to our stringent standards. Staff receive training and Induction: management told us all new staff members, whether permanent or agency, undergo an initial training program that covers essential skills, company policies, and care standards. This training includes both classroom-based learning and practical, hands-on sessions. Staff receive competency assessments: Competencies are observed and assessed regularly. During the induction, new staff are paired with experienced mentors who observe their practice and provide feedback. Formal competency assessments are conducted at the end of the induction period and then annually.

The provider had processes in place to determine staffing levels, which were followed. There was a robust, safe recruitment process in place. Staff received appropriate training and support to fulfil their roles and responsibilities.

People and relatives told us staff followed good infection control procedures. Staff wore the appropriate PPE and washed their hands. One person said, “Staff wear apron and gloves when necessary, they are very good.”

There were infection control polices in place, staff received training in infection prevention and control (IPC). Staff received regular supervision and spot checks which covered IPC practices.

The provider had systems in place to monitor infection, prevention, and control.

Safe systems were in place to ensure people received medicines. People and their relatives confirmed staff administered their medicines safely. One relative said, “The care staff do the medicines, which are kept in a lockable box, they never miss.”

There was detailed process in place to ensure that all staff have understood and are competent in applying the training and guidance they receive. Staff attend refresher courses at regular intervals. These sessions reaffirm their knowledge and skills and include competency checks to ensure they remain proficient.

There were processes in place to ensure staff have the knowledge and competent to administer medicines. There are robust systems for recording when medicines are administered. New staff are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and observe their practice. This mentorship period includes specific competency checks to ensure new staff are confident and capable before working independently.