During an assessment under our new approach
HomeLink Healthcare Limited provides Hospital at Home services including Virtual Wards for both Hospital and Community Health services across the country. This means they provide care at home for people who are too well to be in a hospital bed but not yet well enough to be at home without clinical support. This service helps free up hospital beds, whilst also having a positive impact on people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
The service mostly provides support from registered nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare workers. These staff provide clinical support such as IV antibiotics, wound care and collar care, as well as supporting people with physiotherapy and equipment. Most people only use the service for a few weeks before they are either discharged fully or discharged over to the community health and social care teams.
Date of assessment: 3 September to 17 October 2025. At the time of our assessment approximately 40 people were receiving support with the regulated activity of personal care and/or treatment of disease, disorder or injury.
The last rating for this service was good (report published 19 February 2019). We carried out this assessment because of the length of time since the last inspection. We looked at all the quality statements and the overall rating for this service remains good.
People received a safe service, were protected from abuse or neglect and had their human rights promoted. Robust recruitment procedures were followed. There were sufficient skilled staff to meet people’s needs and keep them safe. Risks to people were assessed and they were kept safe. Accidents and incidents were monitored and analysed, so lessons could be learned and recurrences avoided. Medicines were managed and administered safely. Staff followed effective infection control procedures.
People had their needs assessed and support packages were compiled to meet their individual requirements. People were supported to live healthy and safe lifestyles and had access to other healthcare professionals, as needed. Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and made sure people consented to their care and support. People were supported in the least restrictive way possible and had maximum choice and control of their lives.
Managers carried out regular spot checks and audits. People were supported to make a complaint if needed. They were listened to and responded to appropriately. Information from complaints, comments or concerns was used to help drive improvement.
People received a personalised service and were involved in all aspects of their care and support. Staff made sure people were encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible. Information was accessible and available to people in a format suitable for their communication needs. Equality and diversity were consistently promoted and respected for everyone.