Oxford Branch

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

Staff had received training in safeguarding and knew how to report any safeguarding concerns. The registered manager had systems in place to investigate and report concerns. Risk assessments and management plans were in place and reviewed regularly. There were systems and processes for staff to follow and incidents and accidents were analysed. Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicine as prescribed.

This service scored 59 (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.

People and their relatives told they they were safe. Comments included, "It is a good company to be honest. He [person] feels safe", “She [person] feels safe” and “Yes, I generally feel safe."

Staff were aware of their responsibilities to report concerns and told us they had been trained in safeguarding vulnerable people and maintaining their rights. Staff comments included, "People’s capacity in safeguarding is very important so they can make relevant decisions, on the other hand, capacity should not be viewed as a barrier to safe guarding, so we can approach individuals wishes, rights and feelings", "If the person I'm supporting is suffering from abuse I will listen and assure the person that I'm there to support and I will also encourage the person to speak to a trusted friend, family member or a professional who can provide a personalized assistance. I consider people's capacity when dealing with safeguarding issues by assessing their mental capacity, physical abilities, and supported decision making " and "I would gather out information, to be sure it is abuse and not hearsay. I would then report to my manager of the abuse. I would assure the client [person] that every thing will remain confidential. I will follow our safeguarding policy procedure."

Records confirmed systems relating to safeguarding and accidents and incidents were in place and effective. We saw the registered manager worked with the local authority to report, record and investigate safeguarding concerns.

The registered manager told us and records confirmed people and, where appropriate their relatives were involved in risks to people’s care. The registered manager said, “We talk about risks during spot checks and reviews of people’s care. The staff are involved and let me know how risks are developing and being managed.”

Spot checks and care reviews were regularly conducted, which included a review of people’s risks. Staff considered patterns and trends in order to minimize the risks to people and inform staff how to support people safely.

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

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

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.

People and their relatives told us they received their medicine as prescribed. Their comments included, "He [person] has a Dossett box and they [staff] prompt him. They are aware of what he takes. They put cream on his legs where the [support] tights go on” and "The 2 staff change the wraps on her [person's] legs. They were shown what to do by the district nurse. Mum is happy with that. One of the carers [staff] flagged up that she had a couple of blisters on her legs and called the district nurse.”

Staff told us they had been trained in administering medicines and their competency was regularly checked. We asked staff about medicines, their comments included, "I have been trained to administer medication and my competency is checked annually. Yes, I feel supported with medicines and I am confident enough to raise or report concerns or errors" and "Yes, I feel fully supported with medication administration. Mostly, we use eMAR [electronic recording system] on the Carelinelive App. It’s a robust system in place that ensures we manage medications safely and effectively. I have also completed Medication administration training. New carers [staff] shadow experienced carers before they are assigned shifts." Staff training records confirmed staffs comments.

An electronic care plan and medicine recording system was in place, and staff used phones to confirm medicines had been administered. Medicine records were accurate and up to date. Alerts to the office informed managers if medication has not been given. Medicines were checked daily and audited every three months. Records confirmed any issues fully investigated.