Gentle Healthcare Services

What inspectors found

From the Care Quality Commission's assessment published 30 December 2024 (assessment visit 10 October 2024). Quoted under the Open Government Licence.

1. Safe

   GGood Good

   Based on the findings of this assessment we found the service had improved and addressed all the outstanding breaches we identified at their last inspection. This meant people were now kept safe and protected from avoidable harm. This was because the provider had implemented the action plan we required them to complete after their last inspection and improved how they assessed and managed risk, and recruited and supported staff.

   In addition, the provider continued to have a positive culture of learning lessons when things went wrong. Care plans were still based on pre-assessments conducted by the provider and various external health and social care professionals prior to people receiving a service. People continued to receive continuity of care from a dedicated group of staff who were familiar with their individual care needs, wishes and daily routines. Staff still followed current best practice guidelines regarding the prevention and control of infection including, those associated with COVID-19.

   Our rating for this key question has therefore changed from requires improvement to good.

2. Effective

   GGood Good

   Based on the findings of this assessment we found the service had improved and addressed all the outstanding breach we identified at their last inspection. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good. This was because the provider had implemented the action plan, we required them to complete after their last inspection and improved how they trained and supported staff (See the previous key question outlined above, Is the service safe?)

   In addition, people's personal care needs were assessed before they received a home care service from this provider. Staff worked together to deliver and meet people’s needs and wishes in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. People were supported to stay healthy and well. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The care and support people received was routinely monitored to continuously improve it. Our rating for this key question has therefore changed from requires improvement to good.

3. Well-led

   GGood Good

   addressed all the outstanding breaches we identified at their last inspection. This meant the service was now consistently managed and well-led. This was because the provider had implemented the action plan, we required them to complete after their last inspection and improved the effectiveness of how they managed and operated their quality monitoring systems.

   In addition, we found the provider continued to promote an open and inclusive culture which sought the views of people receiving a service, their relatives, and staff working for them. The provider also worked in close partnership with external health and social care professionals and agencies to plan and deliver people's packages of care and support.

   Our rating for this key question has therefore changed from requires improvement to good.