Wickmeads

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 our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained 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.

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 service 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. Safeguarding procedures were in place to ensure people were protected from avoidable harm. People told us they were safe and happy living at the service and their relatives agreed, comments included: “I feel safe here, the staff are always around”, “We know that they are safe, this helps us”, “My loved one clearly feels safe and comfortable with staff.” Safeguarding records showed referrals had been made as necessary and this included notifying CQC of certain events as required by law. Safeguarding processes ensured the provider had oversight of safeguarding in the service. Each event was recorded on the electronic governance system and was reviewed to identify patterns and themes. All legal applications had been made in accordance with DoLS, this meant people’s rights were fully respected. The registered manager had oversight of DoLS applications, authorisations, and conditions and used records to ensure all documentation was in date. Staff received safeguarding training; they told us this helped them to understand the procedures. A member of staff told us, “If I had concerns, I would raise them with the management team. The registered manager always takes concerns seriously. There is always a manager on duty.”

The service 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. People had risk assessments in place for all their care and support needs. The risk assessments were reviewed annually or as things changed. An example was where a person was at high risk of falls, each fall was documented within the assessment and considered in planning. Staff were committed to supporting people and assessments were detailed. A staff member told us, “When you feel supported, you feel safe. We know why we are here; to make sure our residents feel safe and happy.” People and their relatives told us they felt safe in the service and were complimentary about the staff. People were involved in their risk assessments and care plans detailed safe ways of working. An example was, how staff should support someone to manage their risk of choking by providing food and drinks at the correct consistency. Staff told us about people’s risks and said they had enough information to provide safe care. A relative said, “Staff have made changes to my loved one’s bedroom and equipment. They have kept them safe.”

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

The service 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. There were enough staff on duty to provide care. People’s needs had been assessed to determine their dependency to ensure staffing levels were safe. People told us staff were there when they needed them. A person told us, “Staff are pretty good, they are always available for us.” Staff told us they felt supported by the registered manager and the deputy manager who guided them in their role. A staff member said, “The feedback we receive fills your heart and helps reduce stress, allowing us to perform better.” Support for staff was both formal through supervisions and informal, with the registered manager and deputy manager available to them. A staff member told us, “The registered manager is passionate, and all the support we receive comes from them. We value all members of staff and each other.” Staff were recruited safely; procedures were in place to ensure the required checks were carried out on staff before they commenced their employment. This included enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for adults. DBS checks provide information including details about convictions and cautions held on the police national computer. The information helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. Learning and development was in place to ensure staff were properly inducted into the service. This included face to face training, online training and practical training within the service. A staff member said, “There is always an opportunity for me to learn more, I want to ensure our residents are safe and their needs are met.”

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.