Cathedral Care (Sale)

People were supported safely. Risks to people were identified and mitigated. Staff were aware of the risks people may present and what action they should take to ensure people were safe. Staff were recruited safely. Staff had the skills, experience and training to effectively support people. People knew how to report any concerns they had, and staff were able to describe safeguarding processes. Staff felt fully supported to raise any concerns they had with the management team. Medicines were managed safely and staff received regular medication training and competency checks. Infection control arrangements were in place and followed.

People’s needs were fully assessed, and each assessment recorded the support each individual required. Where people required support with nutrition and hydration, weight management and skin integrity, best practice guidance was followed to ensure people were safely supported. The management and staff team worked with health professionals in the best interests of people supported to ensure they remained healthy. Staff sought consent from people before they provided personal care and support.

People told us staff were kind and caring. They told us they always had positive interactions with staff and the care was dignified. People felt listened to and staff encouraged their independence and promoted choice. Staff were fully aware of people’s needs and personal preferences and could describe the different methods of communication they used to communicate effectively. People told us, and we saw, staff had been proactive in recognising how using particular equipment could promote independence and sought such equipment from specialists. Staff ensured privacy and dignity was continually observed.

Staff were aware of people’s needs and everyone we spoke with confirmed staff provided person-centred care. People had been involved in planning their care and told us they had been involved in reviews to ensure the care reflected their current needs, preferences and choices. People felt confident to raise any concerns or complaints and told us they were regularly in contact with the management team. People spoke positively about the communication from the management and staff team. People were effectively supported by the provider should they be at the end of their life.

The service was well-led. The management team were experienced and approachable and were passionate about providing high quality, safe and effective care. Governance systems were in place and robust. Where improvements were required, they were actioned promptly. The staff team felt well supported and valued. Staff felt empowered by the management team and were keen to progress with training and support. People and their relatives told us they felt the service was well-led. People spoke positively about staff support and the support they received from the management team. The provider had been recognised for their services to reducing social isolation for the people they supported. Professionals involved with the service spoke positively about staff and management team.