A DOMICILIARY care service which has “deteriorated” has been told by the health care watchdog that it needs to improve.

Maycare, which is based in Priestley Road, had previously been rated as ‘good’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), however following a visit in August inspectors rated the service as ‘requires improvements’.

At the time of the inspection there were 72 people using the service, who had a wide range of physical and health care needs.

Maycare provides care to people who still live in their own homes but who require additional support with household tasks, personal care or any other activity that allows them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

During the course of the inspection the CQC found that people using the service were not always safe.

In the inspector’s report it read: “There were systems in place to report safeguarding concerns to the appropriate authorities. However, we found evidence that concerns were not always reported. Staff were aware of their responsibilities to report concerns.”

The report said that the system put in place to safeguard users was not always effective.

The inspector continued: “One person was put at risk because a full assessment of their needs was not conducted before support was provided. Staff were not aware of this person's needs and this put the person at risk.”

However, some users of the service told the CQC that they felt safe and “never had any reason to feel at risk”.

The inspector also said that the “service management and leadership was inconsistent”.

But the CQC did find that Maycare promoted a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering, which achieves good outcomes for people.

The inspector said that the effectiveness, caring and responsive side of the service were rated as ‘good’.

However, safety and the well-led side of the care were rated as ‘required improvements.’

Maycare were contacted but did not wish to comment.