Caremark Poole & East Dorset

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

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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.

The service worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The service shared concerns quickly and appropriately. People told us they felt safe with the support they received from the service. Relatives told us they had confidence and could rely on the service. One relative said, “If I need anything and raise a concern it is quickly acted upon.” Staff knew how to ensure people were protected from harm and abuse. They told us how they would raise concerns to the registered manager and if it was necessary to the local authority. Staff told us they were confident the registered manager would follow up any concerns and make the necessary referrals as required. A member of staff said, “Inside Caremark I would notify the registered manager immediately and log the issue in the system. Outside Caremark If the concern involves safeguarding, I will report it to the local council’s adult safeguarding team.” Staff understood how to ensure people’s rights were fully respected and had received training in safeguarding during their induction with annual reminders and updates. The providers safeguarding policy underpinned the processes to ensure people were safe. Records showed all referrals had been made as appropriate.

The service worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. They provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. People told us staff worked to keep them safe. An example was where a person was at risk due to specific dietary needs, staff supported the person correctly using guidance from professionals. People told us they felt involved in their care. Staff knew people well and told us they had enough information regarding people’s individual risks. One member of staff told us, “I feel that I have sufficient information about the risks associated with the clients I care for.” People’s risks were assessed before they started to use the service and updated, this had included environmental risks. Risk assessments were created and maintained within the provider electronic care planning system, this meant they were updated immediately as things changed. A staff member told us, “Each client has a thorough care plan that outlines their specific risks and needs. For example, one client may be at risk of falls due to mobility issues, so we ensure their environment is safe and provide appropriate support when moving.”

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

The service made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. People told us staff were kind and caring, they had regular staff to help meet their needs. Staff were positive about their colleagues and managers, telling us they were a strong team. Induction and shadowing programme, together with ongoing support were in place and robust. Training schedules were in accordance with good practice guidelines for staff who worked with people to meet their care needs. Recruitment processes were in place; staff were recruited safely. Procedures were in place to ensure the required checks were completed prior to staff commencing their employment. This included enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for adults. DBS checks provide information including details about convictions and cautions held on the police national computer. The information helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. Staff told us they felt appreciated and supported by the registered manager and the service. A programme of competency assessments, spot checks and supervisions supported staff and the registered manager to maintain their standards of service. A member of staff told us, “It's the one job I have had that makes you feel like you work as part of a team, and you face any issues together not alone.”

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.