130 Suez Road is a domiciliary care service registered to provide personal care to people living in a supported living scheme and their own homes. There were four people who were receiving personal care from the service when we visited.

The inspection took place on 24 October 2017 and we gave the provider 24-hours’ notice before we visited to ensure that the registered manager was available to facilitate the inspection

This was the first inspection since Voyage became registered as the provider on 1 November 2016. There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were kept as safe as possible because staff were knowledgeable about reporting any suspicions or incidents of harm. There were a sufficient number of staff employed and recruitment procedures ensured that only suitable staff were employed. Staff were supported and trained to do their job.

Risk assessments were in place and actions were taken to reduce these risks. Arrangements were in place to ensure that people were supported and protected with the safe management of their medicines.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).Staff we met confirmed that they received training and were able to demonstrate a good understanding of the MCA. This meant that any decisions made on people's behalf by staff would be in their best interest and as least restrictive as possible.

People were supported to access a range of health care professionals and they were provided with opportunities to increase their levels of independence by being able to access a range of activities. Health assessments were in place to ensure that people were supported to maintain their health. The registered manager and support staff were in contact with a range of health care professionals to ensure that people’s care and support was well coordinated.

People had adequate amounts of food and drink to meet their individual preferences and dietary needs.

People’s privacy and dignity were respected and their care and support was provided in a kind, caring and a reassuring way.

People were supported to take part in a range of activities, hobbies and interests that were meaningful to them.

A complaints procedure was in place and complaints had been responded to, to the satisfaction of the complainants. People could raise concerns with the staff at any time.

The provider had quality assurance processes and procedures in place to monitor and develop the quality and safety of people’s support and care. People and their relatives were able to make suggestions in relation to the support and care provided and staff acted on what they were told. There were strong links with the external community.