The Care Quality Commission
  • Services in your home
  • Homecare service

Archived: Allied Healthcare Ipswich

Unit 9, Hadleigh Enterprise Park, Crockatt Road, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 6RD (01473) 826326

Provided and run by:
Allied Healthcare Group Limited

All Inspections

23 January and 5 February and 7 March 2014

During a routine inspection

As part of this inspection we spoke with nine people who used the service, six relatives, 11 care staff, administration staff, seniors and the registered manager. We found that people who used the service were treated with dignity and respect. One person told us that "I don't mind who they send to look after me as they are all angels and care for me like my own family would."

Relatives we spoke with told us they felt the carers were kind and caring. All nine people we spoke with told us they felt safe when the carers were in their homes.

We found that people's needs were assessed and care was provided in line with their individual care plan. These included an assessment of risks that ensured people's safety. We saw evidence that these were regularly reviewed.

People who used the service were protected from abuse because they were cared for by a staff team who had appropriate knowledge and training on safeguarding adults and children.

We found that staff had been recruited appropriately and in line with the provider's recruitment and selection procedures. All 11 staff we spoke with confirmed that they felt the manager and senior staff were effective and responsive to the needs of both the people who used the service and the staff.

We found that the provider had effective systems in place to monitor and review the service using a system of regular audits and satisfaction surveys from people who used the service, relatives and stakeholders.

21, 25 February 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with five people, three who used the service and two relatives over the telephone to obtain their feedback about the service. People told us that the staff treated them with respect and dignity. All people spoken with were happy with the service they received, comments included, "I am happy with the service. The staff are very good' and, 'I have got to know all the staff that visit me. They are all different, but good and kind'. One person told us, 'I have not been using the service for very long, but so far so good'. One person commented, 'I feel very safe and confident with the staff. I am very, very pleased with the service'. One person told us, "My experience of using the agency is very positive. The staff are very helpful. Nothing is too much trouble'.

Three people told us that there had been a few 'Ups and downs' with late and missed visits in the past, but felt that there had been an improvement in the punctuality and consistency of staff in recent months.

We found that the service was meeting people's needs. Risk assessments had been completed for risks routinely associated with people's health needs, such as nutrition and moving and handling. Staff had received training and spoke knowledgably about the people they provided care to. Appropriate safeguarding policies were in place and staff knew what action to take should the need arise. The service had taken into account the views of people using the service in order to prompt improvements.