WHILE Warrington Borough Council’s intermediate care at home team has received a “Good” rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) during the assessment, inspectors identified areas of improvement in relation to risk management and care planning documentation.
These issues had been identified by the council and action plans were in place to make improvements.
Inspectors also identified that risk management records were not always fully complete or failed to be considered in planning individuals’ care and support. This was recognised by the service and immediate action was taken to make improvements.
Records showed that staff were safely recruited with appropriate checks being carried out at the time of recruitment. Newly recruited staff completed an induction into their role and staff received on-going training for their role. Staff said they received regular training. However, a number of staff said they had not always received regular supervision for their role, but with recent changes this had improved.
Different ways of managing staff rotas were currently being trialled. This involved staff working in a specific geographical area with changes to their rota. Feedback from staff who were part of the pilot was positive with staff saying travelling time had lessened and more time was available to spend with people.
The CQC is the independent regulator of health and adult social care services in England. The recent CQC inspection found that the ICAHT service is rated “Good” across all five key areas: being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
ICAHT provides short-term support to help people stay independent in their own homes. It can help people recover after an illness, injury or hospital stay. It also helps prevent people being unnecessarily admitted to hospital, and reduces the need for long-term care. The service provides rehabilitation, personal care and practical support while people regain their confidence and independence.
“People received fair and equal care and treatment” from “committed staff”
The CQC inspection highlighted a good standard of care being provided to residents, with packages of care being regularly reviewed and appropriately assessed. The report also reflects the CQC’s view that people receive fair and equal treatment, provided by committed staff and supportive leadership.
The CQC report also notes that:
• People told inspectors they felt safe when receiving care from the service
• Medicines were managed safely, with staff appropriately trained and monitored
• Staff received safeguarding training and understood how to respond to concerns
• Strong governance arrangements are in place, which helps ensure high-quality, safe care and continuous improvement
The report further recognised that people receiving support from the ICAHT service were able to have choice and control over their lives.
Cabinet member for health and social care, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “This CQC rating is testament to the dedication of staff that provide the service, and demonstrates the improvement journey we’re on across our adult social care services.
“The CQC highlighted the way staff tailor support to individual needs, regularly review care, and ensure people feel safe and supported. We are extremely proud of the team and the difference they make to residents and their families every day.
“As a council, we face a significant financial challenge and need to redefine how we operate. But it remains our priority to provide the best possible support to residents who need it most. This CQC rating reflects that commitment.”
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-2534543156/reports/AP24972/overall
