We carried out a review of the data available to us about NCC First Support - Northern 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 NCC First Support - Northern, you can give feedback on this service.
Norfolk First Support- Northern is a domiciliary care service providing personal care to people in their own homes. 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.
At the time of the inspection there were 139 people who used the service who received personal care. Norfolk First Support-Northern provides a reablement service to people who may have been discharged from hospital, or who are recovering from illness or injury. People typically receive support for up to six weeks, and sometimes longer to help them with becoming more independent.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The systems to monitor and assess the quality and safety of the service currently in place were not fully effective at identifying shortfalls and driving improvement. We have made a recommendation the provider makes improvements in relation to this.
Risks in relation to people’s individual needs had not always been assessed, and risk assessments which were in place were not always sufficiently detailed. Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to keeping people safe; and knew how to report any concerns.
Assessments of people’s needs were undertaken once they had started using the service, this had led to some complications where care packages had to be revised, or additional support being requested from healthcare professionals. Staff took appropriate action in relation to these incidents.
Staff supported people to take their medicines in a safe way, but records relating to medicines could be more detailed. Staff adhered to the current guidelines in relation to infection prevention and were part of a testing programme which was in place at the time of the inspection.
Not all staff had completed their required training, however, people felt staff were well trained and staff were able to demonstrate through our conversations they understood people’s individual needs.
People’s consent was sought by staff when delivering care. 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.
The management and staff worked in partnership with people, their relatives and healthcare professionals to achieve good outcomes for people. People’s care was reviewed regularly, and care plans updated where people’s care needs changed.
People were supported by staff who upheld their dignity and promoted their independence.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
This service was registered with us on 19 September 2019 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.