Highland Hospice home care service given good grades by inspectors
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A CARE at home service run by Inverness-based Highland Hospice has gained a good grading after its first inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
The Sunflower Home Care service, provides care to 17 adults in several areas including Fort Augustus and Foyers.
Inspectors spoke to eight people or their representatives, two external health professionals and a number of staff.
In evaluating quality, a scale where one is unsatisfactory and six is excellent was used and Good rates a four.
The inspection covered how well people’s wellbeing was supported, and the standard of Sunflower’s care regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report said: “Strengths of the service were good communication and a focus on promoting individuals’ independence and choice.
“People’s wellbeing was supported to a good level. It was apparent that people experienced support that promoted their independence, dignity and choice.
“Staff were kind and caring.
“People were supported by a consistent staff group which meant people trusted their carers and felt safe with them.
“Some people felt staff needed more time to support them in an unhurried manner, however overall people were highly satisfied with the care and support they received.”
Comments from service users included: “Some staff have plenty of time and others are rushing.”
Another stated: “The girls are lovely, the care is excellent; they’re kindly
souls.”
The report added: “As the service was fairly new, we felt it was important the provider took time to build stronger relationships with the people they supported.
“Support plans and associated records contained good, detailed information about individuals’ personal preferences and how they wished to be supported.
“There was a focus on staff supporting people to maintain their independence.
“Sunflower should continue streamlining their support planning documentation, ensuring it is consistent and person-centred.”
Support plans and associated documentation should be discussed and reviewed to reflect current individual needs.
It was found that infection prevention and control practices supported a safe environment.
The provider had accessed Covid-19 training for staff who confirmed they felt confident in their role and had access to updated guidance and online training for infection prevention and control.
“This included good hand hygiene and how to use personal protective equipment,” stated inspectors.
“Staff also participated in regular Covid testing and understood what they should do if they tested positive.
“Overall the staff group were confident and competent when supporting people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There were a couple of discrepancies when staff described how they used PPE. We discussed this with the manager and this will be followed up.”
