Care Support Bedford Branch Also known as Gordon Colling House

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

As part of this assessment, we looked at 3 quality statements for the key question of safe. These were, safeguarding, involving people to manage risks and safe and effective staffing. People told us they felt safe, and their care was delivered safely. People's risk of experiencing avoidable harm were reduced by the provider's risk assessments and risk management plans. There were enough skilled and competent staff to ensure they could safely support people and staff were recruited safely.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The provider had systems and processes to respond and manage any safeguarding incidents and concerns and they followed local safeguarding protocols when required. Staff had received training to protect people from avoidable harm. They understood how to report any concerns if they needed to by following safeguarding or whistleblowing procedures. The registered manager understood their responsibility to report safeguarding concerns.

People told us they felt safe. One person said, “I feel very safe here among friends and the carers. They are on the ball and make sure I’m always safe. They help me with walking and coming down to the lounge." Another person told us, "The carers are very good at making me feel safe. Nothing is too much trouble for them." A third person commented, “I was having a lot of falls at home. Since coming here, I feel so much safer and the carers do all they can to make sure I stay safe."

Staff knew how to take action to minimise the risks of avoidable harm to people and were confident about ensuring people were safe from harm. One staff member commented, “Yes I have had safeguarding training, and I would feel comfortable raising any concerns I had about people." Another member of staff told us, “The manager is very approachable, and I would always go to them with any worries I had. I know they would deal with everything properly and professionally."

Staff were aware of people’s risk assessments and felt they could confidently support people safely. One staff member said, “Risk assessments are in place for the people we support to make sure we can keep them safe as possible." Another told us, “Care plans and risk assessments are easy to follow and give us the guidance we need to make sure people are kept safe."

Risks were assessed, monitored, and managed. Care plans and risks assessments were in place and had been reviewed regularly or when there were changes. For example, people's specific needs around their mobility and falls.

People were protected against the risk of avoidable harm. One person told us, "I know I have risk assessments which the carers use to make sure I stay safe. They never stop me doing things I want to though, so I don’t feel molly coddled." Another person told us about the positive risk-taking approach from staff that had supported them to become independent. They said, “Staff have supported me to take positive risks and that means a lot to me and has given me back my independence.”

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

An assessment of people’s needs was completed before a care package was agreed. This meant the provider was able to assess how much support a person needed and how many staff were required to provide that support safely. The assessment also identified the skill mix of staff needed to provide people’s care. Staff rotas showed that sufficient numbers of staff were consistently deployed to fully meet people’s needs. The provider followed robust recruitment procedures to ensure people were protected from staff that may not be fit to support them.

People thought there was adequate staffing numbers to meet their needs. One person said, "I never have to wait for too long. The carers usually come when expected." People greatly appreciated that they mostly saw the same cares who knew them well. One person told us, “I see the same carers which means a lot to me. I don’t want strangers walking through my front door. We have a laugh and a joke together and have an easy relationship." Another commented, “There are enough carers to give me the care that I need. I’m also very grateful that my carers visit me regularly and have gotten to know me.” People using the service were encouraged to be involved in the staff recruitment process. One person who was part of this process told us, “I enjoy being involved in the interviews. I have experience interviewing people and its good to get the views of people who live here."

Staff expressed satisfaction regarding staffing levels. One staff member told us, "We have enough staff. There is really good teamwork, and we support each other." Another commented, “I think the time allocated is good. I quite often have time to spare so never have to rush.”

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.