Walfinch Greater Manchester South

People were supported to be as independent as possible and their needs were considered. Staff received supervisions, but these were not happening in line with their policy. We made a recommendation for the service to review their supervision policy.

The service worked closely with a variety of professionals. Staff received training and worked towards obtaining a care certificate. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their life, 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. However, staff lacked some understanding of the principles of MCA. The registered manager had not gained clarity about the capacity of the person. We made a recommendation to ensure MCA guidance and principles are being followed. Necessary consent forms were in place, but a pre assessment form had not been completed.

People's equality and diversity needs were respected, and staff supported the person to be as independent as possible. Family members spoke positively about the service and were regularly in touch with the registered manager to discuss their relatives' care package.

The service provided person centred care and a detailed care plan was in place, which was regularly reviewed. People's communication needs were being met and the service had a policy in place to support this. Complaints were recorded and handled in line with their policy, though the policy required updating and this was done during our inspection. Although no one was in receipt of end of life care, the service had an end of life policy in place.

Some concerns were identified around the governance of the service, the audits in place did not identify the issues mentioned above. We made a recommendation to ensure audits are robust and policies are regularly reviewed. Confidential information was stored securely. Regular meetings were taking place with relatives.

We reviewed several examples of positive feedback. Feedback surveys had been sent out and their responses had not yet been received. Staff and family members spoke positively about the management, a whistle-blowing policy and a lessons-learned policy was in place.