Epic Care Services Bradford

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

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. This is the first assessment for this service. This key question has been rated good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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.

The service promoted a culture of learning within the service. Relatives told us they felt confident they could feedback concerns to the registered manager, and these would be addressed promptly. The team were described as approachable and understanding of people’s needs. Staff completed a training programme to support them with their role. The registered manager informed us further training was provided to meet additional needs of people. At the time of our assessment, there were no accident or incident reports we could have reviewed, but the registered manager informed us they would ensure learning was completed from any accidents or incidents to prevent reoccurrence.

Pre-assessments were completed by the registered manager to ensure the service could meet people’s needs, this included speaking to relatives and other health professionals. Where additional needs were identified, appropriate referrals were made. Regular calls were made to people and their relatives to ensure people’s needs were being met and any changes were captured in the care package. The service worked with people and their relatives to establish and maintain safe systems of care. One relative told us their relative felt safe in their home with carers coming in and out to care for them. The staff team understood the importance of involving people and their loved ones in planning their care to ensure personalised care was provided. Staff spoke about how they regularly communicated with relatives of people they supported. One staff member said, “We communicate effectively to ensure that [person] gets a good standard of care that meets their needs.”

There was a safeguarding policy in place which staff had access to, which provided guidance about the action to take if staff had concerns about the welfare of people. Staff had completed training in safeguarding and other relevant areas to ensure people were supported safely. There were detailed guidelines and risk assessments in place to guide staff when supporting people to minimise any avoidable harm or abuse. The service worked with people on improving their lives while protecting their right to live in safety and free from discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. Relatives felt the care provided by Epic Care Services Bradford was safe. Relatives raised no concerns in relation to safeguarding, but they knew that they could contact the registered manager with any concerns and felt confident that they would be dealt with accordingly. The registered manager kept in regular contact with people and their relatives, this provided oversight of people’s care and allowed any concerns to be addressed promptly and appropriately. Staff regularly spoke about safeguarding in supervisions and team meetings. There was currently no open safeguarding concerns. The registered manager knew when and how they would raise a safeguarding if they needed to, and when they would need to notify CQC.

The service had a system in place to help staff effectively manage risks. Care plans and risk assessments contained clear information about people’s environment and potential risk to people and staff. Where risks had been identified, staff were provided with clear guidance on how to reduce this risk and a process to support people safely. Care plans and risk assessments were completed and regularly reviewed and updated as their needs changed. Staff, people and relative’s had access to these at all times. The electronic care planning system in use meant updates could be made instantly. The service worked with people and their relatives to understand their risks and manage them effectively. Relatives informed us people were being supported in line with their risk assessments and were confidant staff knew how to manage people’s risks. Staff had good knowledge of people’s needs and their risks which allowed them to support people safely. One staff member said, “I manage risks by familiarising myself with the service users care plan, risk assessments and by building a relationship with the service user and their families.”

Environmental risk assessments were completed of people’s home prior to providing their care, to ensure it was safe for the delivery of care. This ensured people received care safely and no one was placed at risk. Relatives did not raise any concerns about how staff supported their relative to remain safe in their home environment. The staff team worked with people and relatives to ensure environmental and equipment checks were completed. Staff felt safe providing care and support to people in their homes and out in the community. They had clear risk assessments and guidelines in place to ensure no one was placed at risk or faced with avoidable harm.

The service had a robust recruitment process in place to ensure staff were suitable to work with people. The process included identification checks, right to work checks and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Checks were completed before staff were allowed to start working with people. The service used an electronic call monitoring to ensure staff logged in and out of calls. No concerns were received in relation to staff arriving late or not staying for the full duration of the call. The service made sure staff were skilled and experienced in providing effective care and support. Staff worked together to provide safe care to people and meet their individual needs. People received support from a small group of staff to ensure consistency. Relatives spoke positively about the staff team and how they worked collaboratively with them and other health professionals. Relatives told us staff were on time and flexible where needed. Staff were positive about their roles and ongoing training and support they received. There were no concerns in relation to staffing levels and they were able to provide care to people at all times. Staff completed an induction program when they started which consisted of shadow shifts and a rolling programme of training, they also completed regular refresher training courses. The service checked the effectiveness of staff training through competency checks and observations with staff. One staff member told us they received training around specific equipment such as hoists and can request for further training or shadow opportunities if needed.

The service had IPC policies and processes in place, in line with current practices. Staff were regularly reminded of their responsibilities and received IPC training. The registered manager ensured there was PPE available for staff to use when providing care. Relatives raised no concerns regarding infection prevention and control (IPC). Relatives told us staff were respectful of their homes and helped to maintain cleanliness where needed.

At the time of this assessment, no people were receiving support with their medicines, as this was the responsibility of relatives. This was confirmed by relatives. Policies and processes were in place that would ensure safe administration of medicines. An audit would also be completed with those who received support with their medication. Managers ensured staff were competent in supporting with medication and were able to support with medication if needed. Staff informed us they had completed online medication training and had completed a competency check. Staff were aware of what action they would take if an error occurred in relation to medication.