Goodwin Healthcare

Updated 17 January 2019

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 19 December 2018. It was announced and was undertaken by one inspector. We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because we needed to be sure that the registered manager would be in. Inspection site visit activity started on 19 December 2018 and ended the same day.

We visited the office location to see the registered manager, directors and staff. We reviewed care records and policies and procedures and spoke with people using the service by phone.

We used information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return (PIR). This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We looked at the notifications we had received and reviewed all the intelligence the Care Quality Commission (CQC) held to help inform us about the level of risk present and make a judgement about this service.

During our inspection we looked at a variety of records; this included three people’s care records, risk assessments and medicine administration records (MARs). We looked at records relating to the management of the service, policies and procedures, maintenance records, quality assurance documentation and complaints information. We also looked at three staff files, which included staff’s training, supervision and appraisal records, as well as recruitment documentation and staff rotas. We spoke with the registered manager, two directors, four staff, and three people using the service to gain their views.

We also asked the local authority commissioning and safeguarding teams and Healthwatch (a consumer champion) for their views about this service prior to our inspection. We did not receive any information of concern.

Updated 17 January 2019

Goodwin Healthcare Limited is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. Not everyone using Goodwin Healthcare Limited receives regulated activity. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. During the inspection there were 30 people receiving personal care. It provides a service to adults and children.

The announced inspection took place on 19 December 2018. At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

People were supported to have choice and control over their lives. Staff supported people in the least restrictive way. Policies supported this practice. Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and legislation relating to children.

Staff knew how to recognise and report potential harm or abuse. Safeguarding issues raised were reported and acted upon. Incidents and accidents were investigated. Risks to people’s wellbeing were assessed and reviewed to maintain their safety and wellbeing.

There was enough staff available to meet people's needs. Training was provided to staff in a variety of subjects to develop and maintain their skills. Staff supervision and appraisals were undertaken to support staff.

People’s dietary needs were understood by staff and were met.

People were involved in making decisions about their care and support. People told us the staff were caring and kind.

People’s preferences for their care were recorded. Reassessments of people’s needs occurred as their needs changed.

Complaints raised were investigated and this information was used to help to improve the service.

An ‘on call’ system operated outside of office hours to allow people, their relatives or staff to gain help and advice, at any time. Quality monitoring checks and audits took place. Senior staff undertook ‘spot checks’ to observe how staff deliver care. People were asked for their opinions about the service provided, feedback received was acted upon.

There was an open and transparent culture promoted at the service. The directors, registered manager and staff supported local sporting events and charities. The management team worked well with the local authority and other relevant organisations and health care professionals to promote an effective service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.