Unisus Group Limited

Updated 24 October 2019

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was conducted by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the provider short notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small, and we had to make sure we could access the records in their office.

Inspection activity started on 3 October 2019 and ended on 7 October 2019. We visited the office location on 3 and 4 October 2019 to see the office staff team; and to review care records, policies and procedures. On 7 October 2019, we conducted telephone calls to people and their relatives who had agreed to provide us with feedback.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed the information we had about Unisus Group Limited since their registration. We used this information to plan our inspection.

Due to technical problems, the provider was not able to complete a Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

During the inspection

At the site visit, we spoke with the registered manager, the care coordinator and the administrative officer. One of the directors attended part of the inspection. We reviewed three people’s care records. We looked at information kept regarding the management of the service. This included three staff records and records related to the quality and safety of the service.

We spoke with 11 people who received personal care and support, five relatives and two social workers.

We emailed all staff for their individual feedback and to ask questions about their skills and knowledge. We received six responses.

Updated 24 October 2019

About the service

The service is a domiciliary care agency which provides personal care to people living in their own homes throughout North Tyneside. At the time of this inspection there were 18 people using the service.

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.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People felt safe receiving support from staff, who knew them well. People’s care needs were assessed, and risk reduction measures were in place.

People were well cared for by trained staff who provided a reliable, high-quality and person-centred service. Staff were kind and respectful towards people and their families and people’s privacy and dignity were upheld. People’s independence was encouraged, and they were involved in decision making.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives 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.

There was a good working relationship between staff, relatives and external professionals to ensure people got any extra support they needed to achieve their goals. The service was adapted as required to meet people's varying needs and wishes.

There had been no complaints made about the service. Minor incidents were recorded and acted upon to prevent a repeat occurrence. People were pleased with the service they received.

The registered manager had implemented best practice into the service, however some aspects of the service needed further development. This included compliance with the Accessible Information Standard.

We have made a recommendation about the Accessible Information Standard.

The registered manager monitored the quality and safety of the service through checks of the records. However, a comprehensive audit system was not in place.

We have made a recommendation about the quality assurance process.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 5 October 2018 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on our inspection schedule.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.