DaVita (UK) Ltd - Holsworthy

We have not previously inspected this service. We rated it as requires improvement because:

• The service had not always recognised key risks to patients and staff and taken action to mitigate these.
• While the provider held evidence of quality assurance, governance, and safety compliance centrally, this was not easily accessible locally. Staff were not always aware of provider-level work, which meant there was a gap in assurance.
• Documentation and monitoring of equipment servicing, and maintenance was inconsistent and did not provide assurance of a safe working system.
• The service did not engage well with patients and staff and there was a clear focus on corporate-level drives that did not always reflect local work at this unit.

However:

• The service operated with a staffing level agreed in advance with the referring NHS trust.
• Staff understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. They managed medicines well.
• Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, advised them on how to lead healthier lives, supported them to make decisions about their care, and had access to good information.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of patients’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for treatment.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.
• Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care.