Care Procedures
Care procedures are the step-by-step guidelines our carers follow during every visit. They cover everything from how we help someone get washed and dressed to how we handle medication safely. Having clear procedures means your loved one receives the same high standard of care, every visit, from every carer.
Some of the people we support need help with tasks that go beyond everyday personal care. Things like PEG feeding, stoma care, and complex moving and handling. Our carers carry out these procedures safely because they are properly trained, assessed as competent, and work under clear protocols set by NHS professionals.
This policy is part of our governance and compliance framework, which ensures every aspect of our care meets the highest standards.
How Delegation Works in Home Care
SW Care is not a nursing agency. Our staff are carers and support workers, not nurses. However, some of the people we support have health needs that require specific procedures. In these cases, an NHS Registered Nurse — usually a district nurse — delegates certain tasks to our care workers.
Delegation is a formal process. It means a qualified nurse has assessed the task, provided training to the individual carer, confirmed they are competent, and put clear written protocols in place. Our carers never make standalone clinical judgements. They follow the instructions set by the delegating nurse.
This approach follows the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) guidance on delegation. The key principles are that the delegating nurse retains accountability, the carer must be trained and assessed, and the task must be appropriate for delegation.
Care Procedures Our Team Delivers
The following procedures are carried out by SW Care staff who have received task-specific training, passed a competency assessment, and work to written protocols provided by the delegating nurse.
PEG feeding. A PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube delivers nutrition directly to the stomach when a person cannot eat or drink safely by mouth. Our carers are trained to prepare feeds, administer them through the tube, flush the tube correctly, and recognise signs that something may be wrong. Every step follows the protocol set by the person’s NHS team. If any concern arises, the carer contacts the district nurse immediately.
Stoma care. A stoma is a surgically created opening, often used after bowel or bladder surgery. Our carers help with changing stoma bags, cleaning the surrounding skin, checking for irritation, and making sure the person is comfortable. Training covers hygiene, bag fitting, and what to look out for. The district nurse provides the care plan and reviews it regularly.
Moving and handling. Safe moving and handling is essential for people with limited mobility. Our carers are trained to use hoists, slide sheets, stand aids, and other equipment correctly. Each person has an individual moving and handling plan that sets out exactly which equipment to use and how. This protects both the person being supported and the carer.
Training and Competency Assessment
Before a carer can carry out any delegated procedure, they must complete the required training and pass a competency assessment. This is not a tick-box exercise. The assessment checks that the carer can perform the task safely, understands the risks, and knows when to escalate a concern.
Competency is reassessed at regular intervals. If a carer has not performed a procedure for a period of time, they are retrained before resuming the task. Our Registered Manager, Stacey Cole, maintains records of all training and competency assessments.
The Right to Refuse
Every SW Care team member has the right — and the duty — to refuse a procedure they are not competent to perform. This is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of professional responsibility. If a carer feels unsure about a task, they must speak up. We will arrange additional training or assign a carer who has the right competency.
Our Strong Working Relationship with NHS District Nurses
SW Care has a strong working relationship with NHS district nursing teams across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. Our carers and the NHS nurses communicate regularly to make sure care is joined up and consistent. When a person’s needs change, the nurse updates the protocol and our team adapts accordingly.
This coordination means families can be confident that the care delivered at home meets the same standards as delegated care. All of our care procedures are documented through QCS (Quality Compliance Systems) and reviewed regularly. If you have questions about the procedures your loved one receives, please get in touch.
Read about all of our governance policies or view our CQC rating.
Browse our full governance and compliance policies to understand how we maintain high standards across every area of our service.
Our Governance & Compliance Policies
Every policy below is reviewed regularly and available for families to read in full.
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