Leighton Buzzard care home provider told it requires improvement despite positive feedback

Blue Sapphire Care Ltd, based in Chartmoor Road, was inspected between June 3 and July 15 and handed a rating of Requires Improvement.

It was judged ‘Requires Improvement’ in categories Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led.

But it was given a Good rating for the Caring category, and while disappointed with the overall rating the provider says it was pleased ‘feedback the inspector received from clients and staff was so positive’.

Nicky Senior, manager and business owner for Blue Sapphire Care Ltd, said: “We were devastated to learn of our new rating, as our clients have always been at the heart of everything we do.

“We hadn’t fully realised how much emphasis would be placed on auditing of paperwork during the inspection. We are confident that our clients are safe and well cared for, but we now understand the importance of having stronger systems in place to ensure all paperwork is to the required standard.”

The inspection found the company, which provides personal care to people living in their own homes, in breach of two legal regulations relating to good governance and safe care and treatment. It was asked for an action plan in response to the concerns.

The CQC’s report stated: “The provider’s governance systems and processes for assessing, monitoring and reviewing the quality and safety of the service were not fully effective. Although no one had come to harm, the inspection identified areas where improvement was required.”

Inspectors found staff were recruited safely with ongoing training, and said they felt well supported.

However, it found protocols not in place for people prescribed medicines, and medicine audits not being completed. Despite this, staff knew people well, which helped reduce risks associated with medicines management.

Care plan and risk assessment guidance for staff required improvements in some areas. The report concluded this was a recording and oversight issue.

Safeguarding concerns were not recorded in a way that enabled the provider to effectively monitor trends, identify themes or demonstrate learning from incidents. However, staff understood safeguarding procedures and demonstrated a good knowledge of their responsibilities.

Staff were confident in recognising potential concerns and knew how to report them appropriately.

Where people lacked capacity to consent to their care and treatment, mental capacity assessments had not always been completed in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Overall, feedback about the service was positive, with people describing staff as approachable, responsive and committed to providing good quality care.

At the time of the inspection, 23 people were receiving personal care from the service.

Nicky Senior added: “We were pleased that the feedback the inspector received from our clients and staff was so positive. It was reassuring to know that people feel well supported and cared for, which means a great deal to us and reflects the hard work and commitment of our team.

“We have taken the inspection feedback seriously and learned a lot from the experience. We now have someone working full-time to support our team, focus on auditing and paperwork, and help ensure everything is in order.

“Although the outcome was very disappointing, we are determined to learn from this experience and make the necessary improvements. We want to be better prepared for our next inspection while continuing to provide the high standard of care and support our clients deserve.”