Lindisfarne Newton Aycliffe

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. At the last inspection we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to 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 provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. They listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. The registered manager used the information to identify areas where lessons could be learnt. A staff member said, “We are all involved in making sure we check everything is running properly and learn from any mistakes. We always work together to make improvements.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. A relative said, “Before [person’s name] moved here the staff came and checked everything to make sure they could meet their needs.” Another relative said, “[Person’s name] settled here quickly and tell us they like living at the home, as they feel at home.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The service shared concerns quickly and appropriately. Staff had training and a good understanding of what to do to make sure people were protected from harm or abuse. The management team ensured Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations were sought when needed and any conditions imposed by them were followed.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. They provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Staff took a balanced and proportionate approach to risk, which supported people and respected their choices. Since the last inspection action had been taken to improve risk assessments and the registered manager continued to critically review these and revise them as necessary. A staff member said, “Since the last inspection we have gone through all the risk assessments to make sure they give us all the information we need.”

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. Environmental risks were assessed and addressed. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care and worked with external professionals to review people’s aides. People were supported to be as independent as possible within the environment. The staff team knew who to contact when people might benefit from additional aids or equipment. Staff were trained to use any equipment people needed.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. The registered manager promoted a learning culture and ensured staff had access to a wide range of training. Recruitment practices were meeting requirements. A person said, “I think there’s enough staff, they are so very capable in their fields. Very pleasant, very helpful. They encourage independence in other people, they don’t need to with me. They are smashing.” A relative said, “I think there’s enough staff, they are always on the go, there’s always at least 1 in the lounge and normally 2.”

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff followed the required infection control guidelines. A person said, “The domestic staff are really good and always make sure everything is spic and span.”

The service made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff who administered medicines had the appropriate training and competency checks. A staff member said, “The electronic system will not allow you to issue medicines if the time is wrong or they have been given. However, we keep a close eye on them as it is so important people get the right medicines.” A person said, “They are very good and make sure I get my medicine on time.”