Council-run Jarrow care unit '˜not always safe' and needs to improve - watchdog

Danesfield Supported Living Service, which is provided by South Tyneside Council and based in Field Terrace, Jarrow, provides care and support for 19 people in their own homes.

That includes care and support for people with a learning disability, mental health problems and physical disabilities.

An inspection from the Quality Care Commission (QCC), which took place in November 2015, says that the overall rating given to the service was that it “requires improvement”.

The report calls for improved safety, effectiveness and leadership of the service.

While the report acknowledged that people “said they were happy with their care” and there had been no complaints since April 2014, the “service was not always safe”.

The report says this is because risk assessments “lacked sufficient detail about how to manage identified risks”, and “personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) had not yet been written for people using the service”.

People using the service said they did feel safe and the report added that “staff showed a good understanding of safeguarding adults and whistleblowing”.

In terms of the effectiveness of the service, it was described by the report as “not always effective”, with no evidence of completed Mental Capacity Act (MCA) assessments and best interest decisions.

Meanwhile, Danesfield was described as “caring” and “responsive”, with people knowing how to raise concerns if they were unhappy.

However, “the service was not always well led”, with no registered manager in place at the time of the inspection.

A new manager had been appointed, but not registered with the CQC.

A spokesman, for South Tyneside Council said: “The safety and care of our vulnerable residents is of paramount importance.

“A rigorous action plan was implemented to address the concerns raised by the CQC at their last full inspection, and we remain committed to working 
in partnership with colleagues, staff and the residents of Danesfield to develop our service improvement plans.”