Archived: Housing & Care 21 - Walstead Court

People who used the service told us they were 'happy' with the care and support. One person told us 'the care is very very good' and another said 'I am getting better thanks to them (the care staff).'

Relatives told us the staff were 'very kind' and one felt the care staff 'went that extra mile.'

We found that people's needs and the actions taken to meet them were recorded in detail. Risks were assessed and actions taken to reduce them where necessary.

People received their medicines as prescribed and staff had received training and their competence to administer medicines was kept under review.

Staff were recruited in a way which ensured they were fit to do their job and of good character. The recruitment records had been improved since the last inspection.

Staff were supported by their managers and had opportunities to discuss issues. They received the training they required to do their job and had the opportunity to progress should they wish.

Some mechanisms were in place to monitor the quality of the service. Some people told us they would like the opportunity to provide formal feedback.

People who used the service and relatives we spoke with told us that they had confidence in the staff. They told us that they felt safe and that they would tell the manager or another staff member if they had any concerns.

We were told that people were able to express their views and make suggestions by talking to the staff. People all felt the service was open to any suggestions and that the staff were very good at communicating with them.

We found that the provider did not have effective recruitment procedures to ensure that staff were of good character and had the qualifications, skills and experience necessary for the work to be performed.