North STSS (Short Term Support Service) Alnwick

The provider was championing projects to help people's reablement and alleviate pressure on the local healthcare systems. People were being supported whilst in hospital to help maintain their independence and skills, so they required less support on returning to the community.

The management team were constantly working to improve the service. Staff at all levels collaborated well to achieve excellent outcomes for people. Health and social care professionals praised the service's management. Quality assurance checks were carried out to ensure people received good quality care. Lessons had been learnt from incidents.

The provider was committed to continuous improvements to the service. Often through effective partnership working with local healthcare, social and voluntary groups. Even the smallest pieces of feedback from staff and people was acted on.

People experienced good quality, consistent and safe care from reablement staff. Comments from people and their relatives were overwhelmingly positive. For example, on person said "When you're feeling so dreadful it just gives you the boost you need to have such kind lovely people helping, they were simply amazing." People were safe from the risk of abuse. Risks were assessed and regularly reviewed when people's needs changed. People were supported in positive risk taking as part of their reablement.

Medicines were managed safely. The provider employed sufficient staff, who were trained appropriately and recruited safely. The provider championed staff training over and above the care certificate standard, with staff undertaking enhanced training in falls prevention.