HEALTH AND SAFETY

We are an accredited IS0 9001:2015 business which uses surveys of clients, staff and families to monitor all aspects of safety and safe practices. Multi-level internal audits are completed by the management Team A contracted risk management company assess and advise on all aspects of Health and Safety and risk management. Robust policies and procedures address food hygiene, cross contamination issues, infection control etc. and are in the staff handbooks, a copy of which is available in the staff room.

The Registered Manager and The House Manager have appropriate qualifications including IOSH Working Safely Course, Fire Warden qualifications; the Health and Safety Officer has the NEBOSH Certificate, Fire Warden Course and much more. Staff are also trained in all these aspects of care, which forms part of their induction, as does the Care Certificate and ongoing training programs like First Aid responders and Fire Wardens. Policies and procedures are in place in relation to Safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act and DoLS authorisations. Staff receive regular training in all these aspects of service delivery. Care plans are designed to support the needs, wishes and abilities of clients, to ensure they are safe whilst encouraging autonomy and independence. Staff recruitment, retention and training policies are very robust.

The Registered Manager, House Manager and staff work closely with clients to identify where additional support is needed for behaviour that challenges and to enable self-control. Clear guidelines are created with as much input as possible from clients to ensure consistent approaches are adopted by all the staff. Staff are trained in de-escalation techniques, positive management, break away techniques and physical interventions. Restraint is only ever used as a last resort, where other interventions have failed to prevent injury. Clear records of these incidents are maintained by the manager. Incidents of client-on-client aggression are recorded in “incident packs”.

Staff use a sealed information sharing box and a suggestion box to make confidential reports and there are always two managers on call if needed. Staff, clients and relatives always have access to a confidential telephone help line with the number prominently displayed in all buildings. Concise compliments and complaints procedures are available for clients, families, staff and visitors.

Medication is administered according our external and internal training and, following training, staff are shadowed to ensure that they comply with our safe practice of delivering medication and that they follow our policies and procedures robustly. Where errors are noted the staff member is suspended from administering medication until retrained. All medication incidents are fully recorded and reported.

The Conifers believes a safe, attractive, stimulating, thoughtfully designed and well-maintained environment is a key factor in the well-being of clients. We take great care to ensure that they have access to the most appropriate facilities and grounds and that their needs, interests and security are taken into account by the safe design of our residential accommodation and outside facilities. We have maintenance staff who maintain our technical and operational standards, manage and reduce risks and make sure that we comply with all legal requirements.

We have substantial safety and security measures, which include a designated Health and Safety Officer and we comply fully with all current Fire and Health and Safety Regulations and guidance. All external visitors are required to produce identification, are signed in and out of the premises and are directed to follow our guidelines.

All buildings are maintained to CQC standards. We make sure that all our internal and external equipment is fit for purpose, user friendly, is introduced safely to staff and clients, is well-maintained, accessible and, if electrical, PAT tested annually. We provide equipment that meets the diverse needs of the clients and that offers them opportunities for experimentation and independence.