Northampton Nursing and Carers Agency

Not everyone using NNCA receives regulated activity; the Care Quality Commission (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. At the time of our inspection, 63 people were receiving personal care.

At the last inspection in July 2016, the service was rated Good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

People continued to receive safe care and support. People told us that they felt cared for safely in their own home. Care records contained risk assessments to protect people from identified risks and helped to keep them safe.

Staff understood the need to protect people from harm and knew what action they should take if they had any concerns. Staff understood their role in caring for people with limited or no capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

People had care plans that were personalised to their individual needs and wishes. Records contained detailed information to assist care workers to provide care and support in an individualised manner that respected each person's individual requirements and promoted treating people with dignity.

Staffing levels ensured that people received the support they required at the times they needed. People could be assured they would be supported by staff who knew them. The recruitment practice protected people from being cared for by staff that were unsuitable to work in their home.

People were supported to take their medicines as prescribed. They were supported to maintain good health, and had access to healthcare services when needed.

People received care from staff that were compassionate, friendly and kind. Staff had the skills and knowledge to provide the care and support people needed and were supported by two registered managers who were receptive to ideas and committed to providing a high standard of care.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service provided. Staff and people were confident that issues would be addressed and that any concerns they had would be listened to.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found