We carried out a review of the data available to us about Wigan Shared Lives Service on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Wigan Shared Lives Service, you can give feedback on this service.
Wigan Shared Lives Service is a shared lives scheme which provides people with long-term placements, short breaks and respite care, within shared lives carers (SLC) own homes. Wigan Shared Lives refers to their shared lives carers as ‘Champions’. Shared lives carers are supported by staff a team including shared lives officers, who are responsible for the setting up, management and review of all placements.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were protected from the risks of abuse and shared lives carers and staff were trusted to keep them safe. Shared lives carers and staff had received training in safeguarding people.
People's care needs were risk assessed and care plans provided shared lives carers with the information they needed to manage the identified risk. Mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions were considered. People’s care plan contained information about people’s cognition and decisions making skills. Medicines were managed safely. People received their medicines and shared lives carers were trained to administer medicines.
Recruitment checks were robust to ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable adults.
Onboarding processes were robust for shared lives carers. Applicants had to go through an application process and be approved by a panel of professionals.
Person-centred care was promoted. The manager and staff demonstrated a commitment to people, and they displayed person-centred values. People were supported to achieve good outcomes.
Governance systems were in place to monitor the standard of care people received. Various auditing systems were in place, some audits had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, are being reinstated.
Staff praised the manager and wider management team, they felt supported in their roles and felt recognised for their contributions to the service. The manager and staff worked effectively in partnership with other health and social care organisations and networks to build connections and achieve better outcomes for people using the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 24 May 2018).
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.