Blue Crystal Care Agency

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• 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

We assessed 3 quality statements in the safe key question. There were effective systems in place to recruit staff safely, monitor any signs of abuse and mitigate risks of harm to people’s health and wellbeing. Staff told us they felt support in their role. People and relatives told us they felt safe and had no concerns regarding safety.

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.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People and relatives told us they felt safe using the agency. One relative said, “I feel [my relative] is very safe, [my relative] is in the hands of staff who know what they are doing, they are professional and keep [my relative] safe.” Relatives were very praiseworthy about the staff and how caring they were. Other relatives we spoke with were very happy with the agency and did not have any concerns about safeguarding.

Staff we spoke with were able to clearly explain the safeguarding procedure. Staff were knowledgeable in this area, one staff member, said, “Yes, we have training in this and if we feel there is abuse happening like neglect or physical then we need to maybe call an ambulance. My manager would investigate and inform the police if needed and the social worker/council”.

The provider had effective safeguarding systems in place to support people if they experienced any form of abuse. This helped to protect people from harm. Staff had training in safeguarding this meant people could be confident that staff had an awareness of safeguarding issues. There was a safeguarding policy and procedure in place for staff to use if needed.

People and relatives were involved in the care planning and review process. All risks identified were recorded in detail. Care plans were up to date and accurate. Staff had been informed of any changes to people’s needs. This meant people could be confident that their health and wellbeing was a priority. During our assessment there were no concerns raised with us about people’s needs or how risks were managed.

Staff had a good understanding of risks and how to mitigate them as much as possible. Care plans outlined details about people’s needs and guidance was available to help staff have a good understanding of how to provide safe care.

The registered manager explained that at the beginning of a care package, they would first carry out a care needs assessment. All risks identified would be assessed and monitored by staff. Risk assessments and care plans were reviewed at regular intervals. This meant any changes to people’s needs could be recorded and addressed without delay. Audits of risk assessments were carried out on a regular basis, which meant any concerns could be picked up and addressed straight away.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Everyone we spoke with told us the care staff were excellent at their jobs. One relative said, “The staff are amazing and treat [my relative] like their own and cater for all her needs. I feel safe with them, they are knowledgeable and know what they are doing, and I trust them with my [relative]”.

Staff told us they had training in their role. This helped them to do a good job. Service records reviewed showed staff had training in several topics. This meant people could be confident that staff had obtained the relevant knowledge and skills to be effective in their role. Staff said they felt very supported by the registered manger and could approach them about anything. Staff had team meetings and supervisions on a regular basis, which meant they could seek support and guidance when they needed it.

The provider had a clear safe recruitment process in place. Staff had background checks carried out before joining the agency, including criminal background checks. This meant staff had been vetted before beginning their employment. Staff were provided with training in several topics. In addition, staff had a full comprehensive induction before being left unsupervised. There was enough staff employed to meet people’s needs.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.