A DOMICILIARY care service based in Amesbury has maintained its ‘good’ rating following a visit from the care watchdog.

There4u was recently inspected at just 48 hours’ notice across a two-week period by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A report has since published in which it was deemed to be ‘good’ in each of the five categories assessed.

The service provides care and support to people in their homes who live in and around the Salisbury area.

Inspectors carried out their review by visiting the company’s Solstice Park base, reviewing care and medicine records as well as speaking with staff, service users and their relatives about their experiences of the care provided.

Staff in particular were singled out for praise. The registered manager was described in the report as “experienced” and “approachable” and users told inspectors they trusted those who look after them and felt supported, respected, and well looked after.

One person said: “[Staff] are like part of the family. They have been accepted as part of the family and they have got to know us over time.”

Another added: “I think the staff have good training and are handpicked. They are always very polite and understanding and ask what I want done.”

The report also noted that all visits provided by caregivers lasted 30 minutes or more. The service as a rule does not offer any shorter visits as they did not want people to feel rushed.

A member of staff told inspectors: “We don't do 15-minute calls, we start at 30 minutes and if it goes over, that is fine, we don't rush or hurry people. If it takes longer, then that is fine.”

Amongst the positives two recommendations were set out in the CQC report.

While the use of medicines was generally deemed to be safe, it was noted that not all the necessary information was available for staff when people were prescribed “as required” medicines.

The registered manager confirmed that despite staff receiving training, “clearer guidance was needed” on this and so inspectors advised the provider “seeks advice and guidance on 'as required' PRN protocols to guide staff on when and how to administer this type of medicine”.

There was also found to be no service development plan in place, prompting inspectors to “recommend the service develops an overall service improvement plan to identify, monitor and demonstrate action needed and taken in response to audits, feedback and incidents”.