8 March 2018
During a routine inspection
This was our first inspection of Benedon Healthcare Limited since registration. This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community and specialist housing. It provides a service to older adults. At this inspection it was providing personal care to four people and employed two staff members. The staff team consisted of the provider and one care worker.
Not everyone using Benedon Healthcare Limited receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.
The provider of Benedon Healthcare Limited is registered as an 'Individual'. Individuals register in their own name with the Care Quality Commission. They are not required to have a registered manager in place because they are directly responsible for carrying on and managing the regulated activity of 'personal care'. As the 'registered person' they have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were at the risk of harm as the provider did not have effective incident or accident reporting or investigation procedures in place. The provider did not have accurate reporting procedures in place should staff members witness or suspect abuse.
The provider had informal quality monitoring arrangements in place but did not complete quality checks on staff members to ensure they were working appropriately with people.
People were at risk of receiving care and support which did not meet current or best practice. This was because the provider did not keep themselves up to date with changes in legislation or working practice. These changes informed them how they should support people to meet their needs.
Staff members arrived when expected and stayed for the agreed amount of time to complete the necessary care and support. Staff members followed infection prevention and control guidance.
People were safely supported with their medicines by competent staff members. People received care and support from staff members who had received training and support to effectively assist them. New staff members received an introduction to their role and were equipped with the skills they needed to work with people.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were treated in a kind, caring and considerate manner by those supporting them.
People had access to healthcare to maintain wellbeing. When needed people were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain their health. Staff attended training that was relevant to the people they supported and any additional training needed to meet people’s needs was provided.
People and their relatives were encouraged to raise any issues or concerns. The management team had systems in place to address any concerns or complaints.
People had regular contact with the registered manager whom they found approachable.
People were involved in making decisions about their care and had information they needed in a way they understood.
Staff received support and guidance from a management team who they found approachable. People and staff felt able to express their views and felt their opinions mattered.