Top report for care service from Care Inspectorate

A care service for people suffering from a learning difficulty or mental health problems has been given a solid report from the Care Inspectorate.

The Richmond Fellowship’ s East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire service is based in the Clydesmill Industrial Estate in Cambuslang and runs a service in Rutherglen.

A report into an inspection on October 21 has now been published, with the service receiving a grade of ‘ very good’ for quality of care and quality of management and leadership.

However, inspectors did make two recommendations to the service, relating to records of medication and the implementation of risk assessments.

A report, which can be viewed online, states that 100 per cent of both service users and relatives who completed the survey said the care they received was either ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

Clients praised the service for allowing them as close to an independent lifestyle as possible.

One said :“Myself personally don’t think I could have maintained an independent lifestyle without the help of Richmond Fellowship.

“They have helped me overcome my anxiety about travelling on public transport. I am not 100 per cent confident, but with their help I’m getting better.”

The inspectors praised staff and the way the service included users.

They said: “Groups we attended began with a business element where service updates and events were discussed and people’s views and opinions canvassed.

“This assured us people being supported were fully involved in planning their activities and events.

“Staff we observed during the inspection were caring, professional and understood people’s needs.

“People being supported we spoke to told us they felt very positive about their experience of being supported.

“They also commented on the high quality of staff and management.”

In mak ing recommendations, the inspectors said the service should ensure all records relating to the prompting, assisting and administration of medication is completed in full and in line with the best practice and organisational policy.

They were also told to ensure risk assessments were put in place and reviewed in line with people’s needs on a regular basis.

Since 2008, the service has undergone eight inspections.

Their lowest grade in that time was ‘good’ which they achieved twice, with the rest being ‘very good’.