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CSS Care Ltd

Overall: Requires improvement read more about inspection ratings

The Centre, Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 9SX (01282) 786363

Provided and run by:
CSS Care Ltd

Important:

We have served warning notices on CSS Care Ltd on 9, 10 and 11 April 2024 for failing to meet the regulations relating to safe care and treatment, good governance and fit and proper persons employed at CSS Care Ltd.

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

CSS Care Ltd is a domiciliary care service providing personal care to adults with a range of support needs, in their own homes. 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. The service was providing personal care to 15 people at the time of our inspection. The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns raised around governance and management at the service. We carried out assessment activity between 13 March and 4 April 2024; reviewing elements of the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions. We identified 5 breaches of the legal regulations in relation to; safe care and treatment, staffing, recruitment, governance and complaints. Incidents, accidents and complaints were not always reported or recorded meaning we could not be assured appropriate action had been taken. Medication records were poor, and safeguarding concerns were not fully investigated. We noted issues with staff training and supervision; and recruitment processes were not robust, meaning we could not be confident staff were capable or of good character. Information about people’s care needs and risks were not always available for staff to refer to, and sometimes details were inconsistent. There was a lack of regular auditing which meant the safety and quality of care was not effectively monitored. Policies were not being followed. During assessment, concerns with the management structure were identified. As such, the provider implemented immediate changes. The existing nominated individual stepped down and the manager took over this role. A nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider. The provider intended to recruit a replacement manager. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.

2 March 2022

During a routine inspection

About the service

CSS Care Ltd is a domiciliary care service providing personal care and support to people living in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, there were 14 people using the service which included nine people receiving personal care.

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. The Care Quality Commission (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 told us they felt safe and were happy with the care and support they received. They told us their care was delivered by a caring and consistent team of staff and they received their care on time and in a flexible way. Staff confirmed they had enough time to complete their visits without rushing. Recruitment processes ensured new staff were suitable. Management and staff understood how to protect people from abuse. People’s medicines were managed safely, and records were clear. Risks to people’s health and welfare had been assessed. However, the records were difficult to follow and did not provide staff with sufficient guidance. The registered manager was carrying out a full review of these records. Staff followed safe infection prevention and control practices. We discussed how the recording of staff COVID test results could be improved to ensure consistency and oversight.

Staff provided people with support which reflected their needs and risks. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff received the induction, support and training they needed to support people well. Staff were aware of people’s dietary and healthcare needs and provided appropriate support in line with the care plan.

People liked and trusted the staff who supported them. Staff were described as amazing, caring, considerate and friendly. People appreciated their staff team and good friendships had developed. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and people’s right to confidentiality was respected. Staff treated people as individuals and supported them in a way which reflected their needs and preferences. However, the care records were not always reflective of the support being given. The registered manager was currently reviewing all care records to ensure they were personalised. Staff knew people well and knew their likes, dislikes and what was important to them. Staff reviewed people's care needs regularly and involved them in decision making. Concerns and complaints were managed appropriately.

The registered manager and staff were clear about their responsibilities. They prioritised providing people with personalised, good quality care which met their needs. The registered manager was aware of where improvements were needed and there was a management plan to support this. People’s views about the service were sought and listened to; we discussed sharing the outcome and actions taken with people. Staff told us the registered manager was approachable and supportive. People using the service told us the registered manager went above and beyond. The registered manager completed regular checks to ensure appropriate standards of quality and safety were being maintained at 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

This service was registered with us on 12 May 2021, and this is the first inspection.

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.