We carried out a review of the data available to us about Richardson Home Care Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Richardson Home Care Newcastle upon Tyne, you can give feedback on this service.
Radfield Home Care Newcastle upon Tyne is a service providing personal care to people living in their own homes. At the time of our inspection there were nine people receiving personal care. 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
There was a safeguarding system in place. People told us they felt safe with the staff who supported them. One person said, “I’m doing very well with this agency. I feel very safe with everyone that comes here.” A staff member told us, “I strongly believe that people are safe with the staff teams, I feel that the management team are very approachable and will solve any problems that I and others feel need raising.”
Medicines were managed safely. Recruitment was ongoing. Whilst there were sufficient staff deployed to meet people’s current needs, the registered manager told us that a delay in DBS checks and increased fuel costs had impacted upon recruitment.
People and relatives told us that staff used PPE appropriately to help prevent the risk of cross infection. One relative said, “They always wear gloves and aprons – yes, they do. The carers have had spot checks done on them too.” We have made a recommendation about staff COVID-19 testing.
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.
An effective system was in place to ensure that staff were competent, trained and supported. One staff member said, “I have had a great induction and a lot of training making me feel confident in my role for example, catheter care training, medication training and manual handling training.”
People and relatives told us staff were caring and treated people well. Staff gave us examples of how they not only met people's physical needs, but also helped promote people's emotional wellbeing. For example, one staff member bought sponge cakes and scones for a person who was feeling a little down.
People and relatives told us that staff were responsive to their needs. One relative told us, “I think they're very responsive - yes, the staff are all so patient.”
People and relatives spoke positively the service. Comments included, “I think the agency is very well run, the manager knows exactly how she likes things to be” and “I think they are outstanding. I would give them top marks.”
Staff also spoke highly about working at the service. One staff member stated, “Radfield is a great place to work and I would recommend this to friends and family, and I would be happy to have a member of Radfield caring after a loved one of mine.”
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 21 April 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the date the service was registered.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.