A1 Care

People and relatives spoke positively about the service they received. People received personalised care which was responsive to their individual needs. Staff had a good understanding of the care and support people needed and provided this with care, kindness and compassion.

Staff had completed safeguarding training and understood their role in identifying and reporting any concerns of potential abuse or poor practice. Risks to people were assessed and regularly reviewed. Staff understood the actions needed to minimise the risk of avoidable harm including the prevention of avoidable infection.

Staff supported people to take medicines safely. Staff were trained in medicines management and knew how to ensure that people received their medicines on time and as they had been prescribed.

There were sufficient numbers of experienced staff to meet people's needs. Safe recruitment practices were followed and appropriate checks completed to ensure that only suitable staff were employed.

Staff received induction and on-going training and support that enabled them to carry out their roles effectively.

People had access to healthcare services and were involved in decisions about their care and wellbeing. Working partnerships with other agencies and health professionals had been formed which enabled effective outcomes for people.

People were encouraged and supported to eat and drink well. People told us they felt listened to and their views were respected when planning and agreeing what care and support they needed. People told us they received their care from a small, consistent team of staff who knew them and their care needs 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 policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People and relatives knew how to raise any concerns and felt they would be addressed appropriately.

There was a system of ongoing monitoring through audits and spot checks to review the quality of the service provided.

People, staff and relatives felt the service had made improvements over previous months and expressed confidence in the management team. People felt the service was well led and specifically praised the service given by the welfare manager.