This inspection took place on the 3 November 2015 and was announced. When we last inspected the service on 9 July 2013 we found no breaches of regulations.
North Yorkshire County Council operates HAS Directorate Office - Whitby Hospital. This location is a domiciliary care service providing personal care to people in Whitby and the surrounding areas. 20 people were supported in their own homes on the day we inspected. This service can be provided for up to six weeks to help people rehabilitate and increase their independence. This service is known as the short term assessment re-ablement team (START).
There was a registered manager in post at this service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People who used the service told us that they felt safe with the staff working at this service and we could see that the service was safe.
People were cared for in their own homes and staff assessed any risks to individuals whilst also looking at external risk factors which may affect someone’s safety. Accidents and incidents were recorded in peoples care records.
Staff had been recruited safely. They were trained to recognise any potential abuse and knew what to do in that situation and how to report any incidents.
Medicines were managed safely. Staff knew what assistance people needed to access their medicines and made appropriate arrangements for them to do so.
There was sufficient staff working at the service that had the skills and knowledge needed to meet people’s needs. They were trained in subjects that were relevant to their roles and were supported well through supervision by senior staff.
The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity act where it was appropriate. They sought people’s consent and worked with people to determine how they would provide any personal care and support.
People told us that the staff was caring. When we spoke with people who used the service and their relatives we were told how staff respected people’s privacy and dignity when providing personal care.
Clear information was provided to people about the service and what they could expect. People’s independence was supported and encouraged by staff as far as possible with people deciding on their goals and how to achieve them.
People had care plans that were person centred and up to date. Reviews were carried out regularly and changes made where appropriate.
We saw that complaints had been dealt with in a timely manner and following service policy and procedures.
The service was well led by a registered manager who was supported by home care managers. According to staff the service had a positive and enabling culture. This was supported by the comments made by people who used the service.
There was an effective quality assurance system in place. Audits were completed and any actions required were identified and acted upon. People were asked about their views of the service and their responses were positive.