Lewes rehabilitation service remains ‘good’

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited Joint Community Rehabilitation Service at North E, County Hall, St Annes Crescent, on February 19-20, and gave it an overall ‘good’ rating. The service was rated ‘good’ at its last inspection.

People at the service told the CQC that they were supported safely and people were protected from abuse and harm.

The CQC report, which has since been published, said all staff had completed safeguarding training and were able to say what steps they would take if they had concerns.

Accidents and incidents were reported, recorded and dealt with appropriately with any learning being taken forward and shared with staff.

Risk assessments were also personalised to individual needs and were reviewed weekly.

The CQC report added: “Despite the relatively quick turnover of people using the service, staff knew people well. Care and support were person-centred, and this was reflected in people’s care plans. A complaints process was in place and

accessible to everyone using the service, a copy of the policy and process was left in people’s homes.

“There was a process for dealing with minor issues and concerns and those received had been dealt with appropriately. Staff had received training in end of life care.”

The Joint Community Rehabilitation Service (JCR) provides reablement and rehabilitation for people in their own homes. It is a partnership between the local authority and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

The service provides support for people for up to six weeks, in most cases following discharge from hospital following an accident or illness.

Some people were referred to the service from GP’s or other health care professionals.

The service aims to maximise people’s chance of continuing to live independently in their own homes. The service was supporting 50 people at the time of the inspection.

The CQC report said there were sufficient numbers of trained staff to cover all visits to people. Calls were never missed and were rarely late.

If a staff member was delayed in reaching a visit, a contingency plan enabled other staff to cover.

Staff were also recruited safely and some people were supported with taking medicines and this was done safely.

People using the service were treated with respect and dignity, the report said. One person told the CQC: “Went well beyond what I’d expected.”

Others said: “They are 100 per cent. Perfect.”

“Without their help I wouldn’t be at home now.”

The CQC report added that people’s privacy was respected but their safety never compromised.

Staff supported people to regain their confidence and independence with personal care and tasks around their homes.

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