The Willows Care Centre

‘Information was available to staff on handheld electronic devices which they carried with them at all times. Staff told us up to date information about people was now accessible when they needed it. Reviews of people’s care were completed monthly and the computer system reminded staff when reviews were due so they didn’t get missed.’

‘They had introduced an electronic care records system and everyone’s care plans and risk assessments had been rewritten with them and their relatives. Staff told us the electronic care planning and recording system had reduced the amount of time they spent writing records and this had given them more time to spend with people. The registered manager and provider worked closely with the company who supplied the system to make changes and develop the system as the service developed, such as the inclusion of the Gold Standards Framework for end of life care. The time that people received their care and support was accurately recorded. All the records we asked for were available and up to date.’

‘Information from the electronic care records was used to monitor the care people received. The registered manager and provider were able to make sure important checks on people had been completed, such as safety checks. If they were concerned a check had not been completed they contacted staff and made sure it took place. Information was quickly available to health care professionals, such as GPs and paramedics. A podiatrist told us, ‘The Person Centred Software enables me to effectively look at the individual client, their needs and also what has been done to effect treatment planning’.’

‘Information on the electronic system was encrypted and password protected and only accessible to staff with the provider or registered managers permission. Information about people was no longer displayed in view of people, staff and visitors. Plans were in place to expand the electronic system to allow people’s relatives to remotely view their records with their permission.’