Safe Choice Care

Risks to people's health, safety and welfare had not been consistently assessed to make sure measures were in place to reduce the risks.

People were not always supported by staff who understood the importance of robust infection control measures. Staff re-training had been completed and the monitoring of staff increased.

People received their medicines as prescribed. When there had been medicines errors, these had been investigated and action taken to ensure it did not happen again. When people required medicines on an 'as and when' basis, the guidance for staff had not been consistently completed.

Checks and audits on the quality and safety of the service were not consistently effective. The registered manager's checks had not identified the shortfalls found during the inspection. Checks had not been completed to make sure staff stayed the length of time they should, and no checks were made to ensure travel time had been allotted.

People and their relatives generally spoke positively about the quality of service they received. Staff felt valued and felt supported by the management team.

Staff worked closely with health care professionals, such as community nurses and GPs. People were referred to health care professionals when needed to ensure they received the support they required.

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.