Archived: Runnymede Reablement Service

Updated 2 September 2016

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This was an announced inspection and took place on 22 July 2016. 48 hours’ notice of the inspection was given because the service is a domiciliary care agency and the manager is often out of the office supporting staff or providing care. We needed to be sure that they would be in.

Before the inspection, the provider had completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also checked notifications made to us by the provider, safeguarding alerts raised regarding people using the service and information we held on our database about the service and provider.

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

There were 16 people using the service and 18 staff. During the inspection, we spoke with two people using the service, three relatives and five staff, the registered manager and management team.

During our visit to the office premises we looked at four copies of care plans for people who use the service. Copies of the care plans were kept in the office as well as in people’s homes. Information recorded included needs assessments, risk assessments, feedback from people using the service, relatives, staff training, supervision and appraisal systems and quality assurance. We also looked at three staff files.

Updated 2 September 2016

This was an announced inspection that took place on 22 July 2016.

The reablement service supports people to regain the skills they need to remain independent after a period of ill health. The frequency of visits and length of time support is provided varies according to people’s individual needs, up to a maximum of six weeks. Referrals to the service are made by hospitals in Surrey and the County Council’s adult social care locality teams. The reablement service is free of charge to people using the service. It is located in the Addlestone area.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the previous inspection on 19 February 2014, the service was compliant with the standards inspected against. At this inspection the regulations were met.

People told us they were very happy with the service provided and received the care and support that had been agreed with them. This was provided at the right time and if for any reason it could not be, they were informed in advance. The designated tasks were carried out to their satisfaction by committed and caring staff. People felt safe using the service and thought it was effective, caring, responsive and well led.

The records were up to date and covered all aspects of the care and support people received. This included people’s choices and identified and met their needs. The information was clearly recorded on a computerised system, fully completed, and regularly reviewed. This enabled staff to receive the information and support they needed to perform their duties.

Staff knew the people they gave support to and the way people liked to be supported. They also worked well as a team. Staff provided care and support in a professional, friendly and effective way that was focussed on the individual and they had appropriate skills to do so. They were well trained, knowledgeable and accessible to people using the service and their relatives.

Staff said the organisation was a good one to work for and they enjoyed their work. They had access to good training, support and there were opportunities for career advancement.

People and their relatives were encouraged to discuss health and other needs with staff and had agreed information passed on to GP’s and other community based health professionals, as appropriate. Staff protected people from nutrition and hydration associated risks by giving advice about healthy food options and balanced diets whilst still providing meals that people enjoyed.

Staff had received appropriate training about the Mental Capacity Act and were aware of their responsibilities regarding it.

People told us the office, management team and organisation were approachable, responsive, encouraged feedback and frequently monitored and assessed the quality of the service provided.