Care agency which required improvement now rated good by inspectors

A Warrington-based care agency which required improvement has now been rated “Good” following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The inspection took place at Acute Need CIC, a domiciliary care agency operating from St. James Court, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, providing personal care for people living in their own homes. At the time of the inspection, eight people were using the service.

Inspectors found 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. People had a choice in who supported them; staff knew people well and trusting relationships had been formed.

The support people received enabled them to maintain their employment and also to pursue leisure interests in their local area. The provider demonstrated a commitment to offering opportunities for people to reduce the risk of experiencing social isolation. Through the support offered, there was also a real focus on supporting people to develop independence skills in all aspects of their life.

People received kind and compassionate care. Staff protected and respected people’s privacy and dignity, understanding and responding to their individual needs.
People received good quality care and support because appropriately trained staff could meet their needs and wishes. People could communicate with staff and understood information given to them because the staff supported them consistently and understood their individual communication needs.

People led inclusive and empowered lives because of the ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of the registered managers and staff employed. The provider had clear and effective governance systems in place which identified and managed risks through audits and regular reviews of people’s support. People receiving support, and those important to them were fully involved in the development and review of their support.

The last rating for this service required improvement (published 26 July 2022). The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this
inspection inspectors found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

At the last inspection, the provider had failed to ensure that robust safe recruitment practices were in place at the service. This was a breach of regulation 19 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated
Activities) Regulations 2014. Enough improvement had been made at this inspection and the provider was no longer in breach of regulation 19.
People who used the service, and their family members, where appropriate, were actively involved in the recruitment of new staff.
Sufficient numbers of staff were employed, and recruitment procedures were safe. Checks were carried out on all staff prior to starting their employment including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

A full copy of the inspection report can be viewed by CLICKING HERE