Absolute Care - Westbourne

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 at 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 care staff and support they received from Absolute Care Westbourne. Comments from people included, “I feel entirely safe with them”, “Yes, I always feel very safe” and “I’m doing very well at the moment. I feel very safe with my carers.” Care and support was delivered by small teams of care staff who knew how people liked their care to be provided. One person told us, “I know who is coming and I get on very well with everyone.”

Staff spoke knowledgably regarding how to report potential abuse. A member of staff told us, “I’ve completed all the safeguarding training and would raise any concerns on the electronic system and also speak with the registered manager. I know how to report abuse and it is all managed by the registered manager. I have raised some concerns in the past. Care staff are always encouraged to raise all concerns straight away.” Another member of staff said, “Safeguarding as a topic is discussed in team meetings, so we are all aware.” People were provided with care using the least restrictive practice. Staff adhered correctly to the Mental Capacity Act 2005. There was a safeguarding policy that gave staff clear guidance to follow in the event they needed to raise any concerns to the local authority. Safeguarding incidents had been reported to the local authority and CQC.

The service worked with people to understand and manage risks using a holistic approach. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risks to people and the service were well managed. Staff spoke knowledgably regarding people’s individual risks and how they provided specific support for them to mitigate these risks. Personalised risk assessments were in place, these were kept updated as and when people’s health needs changed. A member of staff told us, “The (phone application) is amazing. We know all about changes to people, I can read up on all changes before the visit, it’s really good.” Another member of staff said, “Everything is covered in the care plan, the detail is really good. I feel confident the information is correct and I know I can always call the office and they will help.” Risk assessments provided clear information and guidance for staff to follow to ensure people were cared for safely. Risk assessments covered a wide range of areas such as skin integrity, nutrition and hydration as well as risks within people’s home environment.

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. Staff worked together effectively to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. One person told us, “They always come on time and we look forward to them coming to see us.” The service had appropriate levels of trained staff to care and support people safely. A member of staff told us, “I did my induction here, it all made sense. I also shadowed existing staff for about 2 weeks. I was offered as many shadow shifts as I needed until I was confident, I definitely didn’t feel left on my own.” Another member of staff said, “I did external training which was face to face, this covered moving and handling and first aid. I did all the core training subjects; it was all very comprehensive. I felt prepared for my visits and very supported and confident in my role.” Staffing rotas reflected there were sufficient levels of staff to cover people’s visits. Training records showed staff were up to date with their mandatory training and had regular spot checks, supervisions and annual appraisals to ensure their skills and knowledge remained current. Procedures were in place to ensure the required checks were carried out on staff before they commenced 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.

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.