The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Nightingale Homecare and Community Support Services Ltd

16 Castle Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1PW (01304) 211321

Provided and run by:
Nightingale Homecare and Community Support Services Ltd

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

At the last inspection of the agency we found that there were ineffective recruitment and selection processes in place. Although checks were carried out, including criminal record checks and references, no action was taken when these checks highlighted a concern or were unsatisfactory.

Since then, the provider sent us an improvement plan showing how the agency would address the issues and achieve compliance.

The manager had audited all the staff files to check that references and criminal record checks were in place and were satisfactory. Action was taken when staff were found to be unsuitable.

Any gaps in employment had been checked and supervision and spot checks of staff was more frequent. People using the service had been contacted and all said that they were satisfied with the service.

19 October 2012

During a routine inspection

We made an unannounced visit to the agency office and spoke to manager and support staff. We sampled records and telephoned some people using the service and their representatives to gain their views about the service they received. We also telephoned some care staff to talk about their role and responsibilities.

People told us that their carers arrived on time and stayed for the allocated time.

The care planning, assessment and risk assessment processes had been reviewed so that they contained more detailed information. This meant that staff had the information they needed about people to provide safe care and support.

Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had been trained in safeguarding. Staff were aware of how to raise concerns and who to report to. People told us that they felt safe and at ease when the carers were in their homes.

Systems were in place to monitor the service that people received to ensure that the service was satisfactory and safe. Everyone we spoke to said that they were happy with the service.

Recruitment procedures did not protect people from the risk of being supported by unsuitable care staff because references had not been fully checked. The agency had not fully checked that staff were honest, reliable and of good character.