Care Quality Services Colchester

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

There were enough staff to cover the scheduled visits to people. There were clear systems in place for the recruitment, induction and supervision of staff.

Risks were assessed, and guidance provided on how to mitigate risks to reduce the risk of harm. Staff were clear about how to raise concerns about people's welfare and we saw reports had been made appropriately to the Local Authority. However, the relevant notifications had not always been made to CQC which the registered manager agreed to immediately address.

Infection control procedures protected people from the risk of infection, and they assured us they had sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment. The agency was in the process of accessing testing for staff.

Staff received induction and training to ensure that they had the skills they needed for their role.

People's health and wellbeing was monitored. Where people's needs changed referrals to health and social care services, such as GPs were made to enable people to maintain their health and independence.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Satisfaction surveys were completed to ascertain peoples views on the quality of care they experienced. People told us they were consulted about how they were supported.

Care plans were up to date and contained information and guidance on how to support people in a personalised way.

People told us where they had raised concerns these had been addressed in a timely way and where

necessary apologies had been given.

Care staff told us they were supported and listened to by the management team.

Quality assurance systems were in place which explored the experience of people using the service, spot checks and reviews of documentation. This information was used to monitor performance and help drive improvement.