Bluewood Care Limited

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

At our last inspection the provider had failed to ensure people received effective care and support. For example, we found gaps in staff training and competency checks on staff practice were not fully documented. At this inspection improvements had been made however, these needed to be sustained and embedded to ensure people consistently received effective care and support to meet their needs fully. People’s needs were assessed and planned for. People told us they were involved in planning their care and were supported by trained staff. Guidance was in place for staff on how to meet people’s needs and care records were regularly reviewed. Staff knew people well and worked with health and social care professionals to monitor people’s health and wellbeing.

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.

People were involved in planning and reviewing their care and support. A relative said, “I am involved in the care and support of [Person], the team leader is brilliant at directing staff in [Person’s] care”.

Staff spoken with demonstrated an understanding of people’s needs and how to support them safely. For example, how to support a person during an epileptic seizure and when to administer their rescue medicine to help them recover.

People’s care records had improved since our last inspection and included an assessment of their needs for example, communication, health and mobility. We identified a care plan had not been put into place when a person had developed some areas of pink skin, an early indication of skin breakdown. Despite this shortfall, staff had taken the appropriate action and applied topical creams and were monitoring the person’s skin. When we raised this, the registered manager took immediate action to address this shortfall. People’s care plans were person centred and included how the person wished to be supported. The management team had reviewed the care records regularly. People were having regular check-ups with health and social care professionals.

People and relatives were happy with the care and support they received. One person said, “Staff support me to meet all my care needs and never let me down”.

Staff knew people well and worked closely with healthcare professionals to meet people’s needs safely.

The service worked closely with health and social care professionals to ensure they delivered care safely. Care records incorporated any professional guidance given for staff to follow to ensure people’s care was delivered as directed and in line with evidence-based practice. For example, guidance was in place for the use of a cough assist machine as directed.

People and relatives spoke positively about the support they received from a consistent staff team and felt communication was good. One person told us, “The managers visit and phone me to check on how things are too”.

Staff told us they felt supported, and communication and teamwork had improved since the last inspection. One staff member said, “There has been a big improvement in communication since the introduction of a team leader to oversee each person’s package of care, we meet regularly as a team to share information and keep up to date on any changes”.

Healthcare professionals told us the management team had worked closely with them and other healthcare professionals to address the concerns identified at the last inspection and drive forward the necessary improvements.

People’s care records reflected information gathered from health and social care professionals which informed assessments completed to ensure people received the appropriate care and support. Care plans directed staff to report any concerns about people’s health and wellbeing, so advice could be sought from the appropriate healthcare professionals such as the district nurse. Where appropriate relatives had access to the App, which held their loved one’s care records electronically. So, they could raise any questions and share information with the care team.

People and relatives said staff would act if they had any health concerns to ensure they got the support they needed.

Staff confirmed they had the information they needed to care for people effectively. One staff member said, “The care plans are far more detailed now and tells us how to manage any health problems, when to administer ‘as required’ medicines and when to call for an ambulance”.

People’s care records included detailed information of their health conditions, symptoms staff would need to respond to promptly including any prescribed emergency medicines and contact details for the appropriate healthcare professional. Care records reflected discussions with people about their ongoing health needs and any changes noted. When changes had been identified care records documented when these had been discussed with the GP.

People and relatives were happy with the service they received and told us they knew how to raise any concerns with the management team, if they needed to. People confirmed they were asked for their feedback on the service and to ensure it continued to meet their needs.

Staff told us, they were involved in reviewing care plans regularly or in response to any changes in the person’s health and wellbeing. Staff confirmed they had access to up-to-date care records via the App which informed them about the person’s current needs and preferences. Staff gave positive feedback on the changes made since the last inspection to improve outcomes for both the people they support and the staff team. Comments included, “We have clearer guidance in place which is reviewed at our person-centered team meetings” and “Managers carry out spot checks to make sure we are doing everything, as we should be.”

Processes were in place to monitor the care and support people received, records reflected people’s involvement and the outcomes they wished to achieve in the future. We saw examples of feedback gathered from people and relatives regarding the staff team supporting them and the overall service they received. This included ensuring people were happy with the service provided and any suggestions for improvement.

People and relatives reported no issues in relation to obtaining consent. One person said, “I am fully involved in my care and staff respect this”.

Staff spoken with confirmed they had received training about the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and demonstrated an understanding of its principles. For example, the importance of seeking consent prior to supporting a person with personal care or, if they lacked the capacity to consent to that aspect of care, in their best interests.

Care records did not clearly inform staff if people had capacity to make day to day decisions for themselves. Despite this oversight staff were aware of this important information. Where capacity assessments had been completed this was also not clearly recorded. Records viewed showed staff had received MCA training and feedback was sought from people to ensure their rights were promoted by staff during competency checks and discussions held to gather their feedback of the overall service.