This was the provider's first inspection since they registered with us in 2015. This inspection was announced and took place on 28 June 2017.

Healthcare 1st Choice Limited provides personal care for people in their own home. At the time of this inspection they were providing care and support for eight people.

The provider has not had a registered manager in post since February 2017. The provider had recently appointed a manager who was present on the day of the inspection. The manager confirmed they were in the process of completing an application form to register with the Care Quality Commission. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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 and staff were aware of the appointment of the new manager and felt supported by them and the provider. The provider did not have any formal systems in place to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the service provided to people. There were no systems in place to give people the opportunity to have a say in how the agency was run.

People felt safe with the service they received and staff were aware of their responsibility of safeguarding them from the risk of potential abuse. People were protected from the risk of harm because systems and staff’s practices reduced the risk of accidents. People were cared for and supported by sufficient numbers of staff who had been safely recruited. People did not require support to take their prescribed medicines. However, staff were skilled to support them with their medicines if and when needed.

People were cared for by staff who were skilled and who were supported in their role by the manager. People’s human rights were promoted as staff respected their decisions. People did not require any support to eat and drink sufficient amounts and they were independent in accessing healthcare services when needed. However, this support would be provided when required.

People were cared for by staff who were kind and who respected their rights to privacy and dignity. People’s involvement in their care planning ensured they received a service that reflected their preference.

People’s involvement in their care assessment ensured they received a service the way they liked. People were supported by staff in a way that suited their daily routine. People could be confident their concerns would be listened to and acted on.