ICare (GB) Limited-Knowsley

People's experience of using the service and what we found We could not always be assured that people were receiving their medicines as prescribed. Staff had not always recorded the times they had administered some people's time-sensitive medicines, such as paracetamol, to evidence that safe time intervals had been observed. Guidance was not always in place for staff in relation to the application of topical creams and allergies were not always recorded on people's medicine administration record.

Whilst governance systems had improved since our last inspection, they had not been utilised effectively to identify issues we found in relation to the administration of people's prescribed medicines.

The provider and manager took immediate action during our inspection to address concerns identified in relation to medicine administration.

Risks to people's health, safety and well-being had been assessed and detailed plans were in place for staff to follow in order to keep people safe. People told us they felt safe with the staff who supported them and family members told us they were confident their relatives were well looked after.

Accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns were recorded and acted upon appropriately. Systems were in place to ensure that learning was taken from incidents to prevent them occurring in the future.

There were enough staff available to ensure that people received their care within the agreed times. People and family members told us staff arrived on time and completed all the tasks they were required to complete. Safe recruitment processes were in place to ensure new applicants were safe to work for the service.

Staff had received training in infection, prevention and control and the provider had systems in place to ensure infection outbreaks were managed effectively.

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.

Improvements had been made since our last inspection. Positive feedback had been received from people, family members and staff about the manager and the overall service provided by ICare (GB) Limited- Knowsley.

Meetings were held with staff to provide them with important information about the service. The manager and provider had worked closely with the local authority to drive necessary improvements to people's care and support.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk