A home care service in South London has retained its 'requires improvement' rating following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Lionheart Domiciliary Care Services, based in Deptford, was inspected in March 2026 and continues to breach some legal regulations.
Service Overview
The service provides personal care to older people, younger adults, people living with dementia, those with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health needs, learning disabilities, and autism. It had previously been rated 'requires improvement' after inspectors found breaches in safe care, good governance, and fit and proper persons employed.
Inspection Findings
In a report published on May 22, CQC inspectors noted that not all people received safe care and support. Issues were identified with moving and handling, medicine management, and quality assurance. While there was no evidence of harm, some people were at risk of potential harm.
Inspectors found that the service worked with people, families, and healthcare services to establish safe systems. Staff focused on safeguarding and protecting rights. One relative said they felt reassured their parent was safe when carers visited, while another noted staff raised concerns immediately.
Medicine Management Concerns
However, the service did not ensure safe medicine administration. Topical creams were not always recorded on Medicines Administration Record (MAR) charts, violating NICE guidelines. Administration of these creams was not always documented, and the electronic care planner system sometimes lacked listings. This meant the service could not assure that people received their medicines.
The service also did not know when medicines were started or stopped by a prescriber, further compromising assurance.
Positive Aspects
Despite the issues, inspectors praised the service for having a shared vision and culture that understands challenges. Staff felt comfortable raising concerns, and the service had an open-door policy. Diversity was valued, and the service worked towards an inclusive and fair culture.
Record-Keeping Issues
However, the service did not always keep contemporaneous records of care. Written records of when medicines were started or stopped were missing, and food, fluid, and repositioning charts were not always retained. This made it difficult to assure that care was provided safely.
Risk assessments and care plans were not always up to date, meaning staff may not have had the best information to support people safely.
Ratings
Two of five inspection criteria—Safe and Well-led—were rated 'Requires Improvement', while Effective, Caring, and Responsive were rated 'Good'. The overall rating remains 'Requires Improvement'.
