Age UK Bournemouth

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 at 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 it. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. People told us they felt safe with the care staff and support they received from Age UK Bournemouth. Foot care was delivered by a dedicated small team of trained staff who knew people very well. One person told us, “The lady that comes in is fine. She is here every 6-8 weeks. She always wears gloves and I know the equipment is safe.” Staff spoke knowledgably regarding how to report potential abuse. A member of staff told us, “I have completed the safeguarding training. I know how to report any concerns. I have reported some in the past. All concerns would go to the registered manager. I’m fully confident to raise any concerns.” There was a safeguarding policy that gave staff clear guidance to follow in the event they needed to raise any concerns to the local authority. People were provided with foot care using the least restrictive practice. People’s rights were protected because staff followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A member of staff told us, “Our paperwork covers all consent issues and what we are going to do and how we will do it.”

The service worked with people to understand and manage risks using a holistic approach. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

Risks to people and the service were assessed, identified and managed appropriately. Staff spoke knowledgably regarding people’s individual risks and how they provided specific support for them to mitigate these risks. One member of staff told us, “I verbally explain everything and we talk about any potential risks. A specific risk could be footwear. If footwear is not suitable, for example if their slippers are not safe they could be a trip hazard. We also check the environment.” Risk assessments covered potential risks to the person as well as for the environment and provided clear information and guidance for staff to follow to ensure people were cared for safely. Risk assessments covered a wide range of areas such as slips, trips and falls, infection, infectious diseases, cuts from equipment as well as risks within people’s home environment such as pets and fire.

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. Staff worked together effectively to provide safe foot care that met people’s individual needs.

One person told us, “I have no concerns, I’ve never had any problems.”

The service had appropriate levels of trained staff to care and support people safely. The registered manager told us they were in the process of recruiting further staff. Records showed these staff had started shadowing experienced staff before they would start visiting people on their own. Shadow shifts are when less experienced staff shadow more experienced staff on visits, to ensure they get the training they need before they start visiting people on their own.

A member of staff told us, “I’ve completed all my training, it’s always helpful and useful. I have my NVQ level 3 in beauty therapy and I’m trained specifically in nail care. I did the diabetic training as well, that was very useful. The training is good and well delivered, it all makes sense.” Training records showed staff were up to date with their mandatory training and had regular spot checks, supervisions and annual appraisals to ensure their skills and knowledge remained current. A member of staff said, “I get supervisions about every 2 months, these are helpful and there is always good communication. The registered manager is always there for me, I get good support.” 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.

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.