ASK4CARE - Huddersfield

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

People were kept safe and protected from bullying, harassment, avoidable harm, neglect, abuse and discrimination. They were respected and their freedoms protected in line with legislation. When people raised concerns about safety and ideas to improve, they were listened to and the registered manager, and other staff, took action. Staff protected people from the risks they faced and worked proactively with others to reduce risks. The registered manager embraced good practice and ensured there were enough skilled people to meet people's needs and preferences.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People were supported by staff who had the time to get to know them and the training and support to act on any concerns as they emerge. For instance, people described how staff acted promptly if something wasn’t quite right, or something unexpected happened, like a possible infection or a leaking shower. Staff were respectful of people’s right to choose and also mindful of the potential risks. One relative said, “[Person] tries to do things that are unsafe for them. Staff keep an eye on [person] for safety.”

Staff worked well with people and their relatives to understand what being safe meant to them. Staff ensured people were safe and the risks they faced were understood and reduced. Staff understood how to act on any safeguarding concerns and were well supported to do so.

Safeguarding processes and policies supported staff to make the right decisions and to ensure people got help. The registered manager reviewed the relevant policies and ensured they included such areas of risk as self-neglect and areas where people may be particularly vulnerable. External partners gave examples of where staff had worked proactively within these processes to keep people safe. Where there was scope to review and improve safeguarding approaches, the registered manager was pro-active and open-minded.

People and relatives confirmed they had been asked about potential risks and involved in planning how to reduce these risks. Staff were vigilant and found solutions to ensure people were as safe as practicable. One person said, “Yes, they do keep me safe. They (carers) don’t leave anything lying about. I’ve had no falls with the carers there. I use a walking aid and they come beside me. I get two visits a day.”

Staff understood the risks people faced, whether environmental or medical. New staff were given the time to get to know people and the key risks to be aware of. They worked with people to understand how to make risk management more person-centred. Staff gave a range of examples of people’s individual risks, for instance pressure damage risk, and were able to confidently explain who they kept people safe.

Risk assessments were in place regarding a range of areas where people were at heightened risk. For instance, where they were at heightened risk of falls or pressure sores. These were reviewed with people and with the input of specialists, to ensure the assessments were up to date and effective.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People consistently told us that staff arrived on time and stayed for the planned duration of the call. They confirmed that staff completed all planned tasks, whether it be medicines administration or meal preparation. One relative said, “The carers come on time or are a bit early. They’re never late. We live close to their base. They get everything done and if they have any concerns then they stay until I come.” Another said, “Once they were late due to an emergency at a previous visit. They let me know. It was a one off. They are very good and generally on time. I like the agency and they respond quickly. The carers do stay and we have a laugh with them.” A small number of people fed back some inconsistencies about receiving a rota in advance – the provider was aware of this and is planning to include this in their continued roll out of the electronic records system.

The provider ensured they reduced the risk of unsuitable people working with vulnerable people through a range of pre-employment checks. Staff felt they had enough time to provide the support and care people needed, as well as getting between care calls. These calls were well planned and monitored to ensure any delays were notified to people using the service, and to ensure people (and staff) were safe. One staff member said, “We get time to get to people and do all the tasks – there is often a little time to just get to know them too.” Another said, "I was impressed with the shadowing and induction - it was okay to ask for more time and help, and they made sure I had someone experienced supporting me."

The provider ensured they reduced the risk of unsuitable people working with vulnerable people through a range of pre-employment checks. The provider had moved the majority of administrative processes onto and electronic care records system. This meant there was less administrative burden and people experienced more consistent call planning. There were processes in place to monitor these systems and make improvements where required.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.