Deep Heart Care Wiltshire

This assessment was completed to follow up on breaches found at previous assessments for good governance and failing to notify Care Quality Commission (CQC). At this assessment we found improvements had been made with governance systems, so the provider is no longer in breach of this regulation. However, we found some incidents which had not been notified to CQC, so the provider remains in breach of this regulation. Not all incidents had been shared with the local authority or CQC and there was not a consistent approach to learning from all incidents.

Checks for quality and safety were being regularly completed which identified actions for improvements. Actions were being discussed by management and shared with staff, however, the provider did not have a robust system to keep track of the actions and monitor completion. The provider completed unannounced spot checks and regularly asked people for their feedback about their care and support.

Risks to people’s safety had been identified. Staff had guidance on how to provide support however, this was not consistent and some environmental risks had not been assessed. The provider took action to address these shortfalls during the assessment.

Medicines were managed safely. An electronic medicines management system was used which enabled office staff to identify any gaps in recording. People had personalised care and risk management plans. These provided staff with guidance on how to support people safely. There was step by step guidance about the care visits for staff to follow. This included person-centred details on people’s likes and dislikes.

There were enough staff to cover the planned care visits. Staff had been recruited safely and provided with training. Staff had regular supervision and assessments of their competence. The provider made sure staff had access to personal protective equipment.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.