Random inspection report
Care homes for older people
Name: Address: Medlock Court Medlock Way Lees Oldham OL4 3LD two star good service The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this review a ‘key’ inspection. This is a report of a random inspection of this care home. A random inspection is a short, focussed review of the service. Details of how to get other inspection reports for this care home, including the last key inspection report, can be found on the last page of this report. Lead inspector: Kath Oldham Date: 1 2 0 5 2 0 1 0 Information about the care home
Name of care home: Address: Medlock Court Medlock Way Lees Oldham OL4 3LD 01617705081 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: michelle.boote@oldham.gov.uk Name of registered provider(s): Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mrs Maureen Schofield Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Oldham M.B.C. care home 32 Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 0 32 dementia old age, not falling within any other category Conditions of registration: 32 0 The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care home only - Code PC to service users of the following gender: Either whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Old age, not falling within any other category - Code OP Dementia - Code DE Physical disability Code PD The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 32 Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Medlock Court is a purpose built Local Authority home, which is situated near to the centre of Lees. It is convenient for local shops and public transport. The home provides care for up to 32 people with age related problems. Only one permanent bed remains,
Care Homes for Older People Page 2 of 11 Brief description of the care home with the others being allocated for short stay respite care and intermediate care. Intermediate care is provided by a range of people, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers with support from occupational therapy assistants and care assistants. Accommodation is provided on three wings, each having its own dining/lounge and kitchen area with bedrooms located nearby. One of the wings is specifically for residents who need intermediate care. Bedrooms are all single, although five have doors to adjoining rooms, which may convert into doubles for people wishing to share. There are large secure gardens for residents use and level access so that people using wheelchairs may also enjoy them. The home was well equipped with aids and adaptations so that people were able to be as independent as possible during their stay. The weekly fee, for short stay respite and permanent residents was dependent upon each persons financial assessment. No charge is made for people on the intermediate care unit but the length of stay is limited to up to six weeks. Additional charges are made for personal items such as hairdressing, newspapers and magazines. A copy of the Commissions most recent inspection report is displayed in the entrance/reception area and on the intermediate care unit. Care Homes for Older People Page 3 of 11 What we found:
We conducted a random inspection of Medlock Court on 12th May 2010 as part of our regulatory responsibility. We did this to see if there had been any significant changes in the delivery of the services provided and if any of those changes impacted negatively on the service users or affected the 2 Star Good rating given at the last key inspection in September 2007. At the last key inspection the quality rating given to the service was 2 star. This means the people who use this service were experiencing good quality outcomes. Since that time we have asked the registered provider to complete an Annual Quality Assurance Audit (AQAA) each year . The AQAA is a self-assessment document that focuses on how well outcomes are being met for people using the service. It also gave us some numerical information about the service. We have also conducted an Annual Service Review (ASR) each year which means we looked at all the information we had on the service including the AQAA and completed a report of our findings. We spent approximately 5 hours at the home and were able to observe service users as they went about their day to day routines, we spoke with some staff, two relatives who were visiting,the assistant manager and registered manager. We observed staff as they assisted service users and completed other duties. We looked around the home and looked at a sample of records to confirm information provided to us within the AQAA.At the end of the inspection we gave feed back to the assistant manager and registered manager. We were told that the home had recently had a full medication audit and received the final report the day before our inspection. The audit had identified areas that the managers needed to address to ensure medication was administered and recorded safely and accurately. We identified shortfalls in the recording and administration of medication. We were told that an action plan had already been put in place to address the identified shortfalls and that managers were addressing these with the staff team. We looked at two care files in depth which we call case tracking. We were able to meet the service users and view the support they received. We had a look at the medication administration records and daily care file for the service users to gain an overview of how the service was continuing to support them. We found that the home continues to be managed to a standard which provides service users with good outcomes. The registered manager has systems in place which were well organised enabling members of staff to provide us with the information we asked for in a timely and prompt manner. For reporting purposes the terms we or us are used when referring to the Care Quality Commission CQC or inspectors acting on their behalf. Care Homes for Older People Page 4 of 11 What the care home does well:
Service users continue to live in a home that offers them personalised good quality support which is able to meet their individual needs and expectations. We saw that each service user was living as they desired . Staffing levels were such that service users received the support they need that they are able to have the day to day routines they wish. Service users preferred day to day routines were recorded as were health care requirements, meals, activities and personal aspirations. This means members of staff were able to have information on how the service users required support and what was expected of them to promote service users independence, self worth and self esteem. Service users told us, Always makes X very welcome and her stay very pleasant. The home creates a warm and welcome atmosphere. The staff are helpful and friendly, the food is well presented, and very tasty. We are kept informed about our treatment and release date. Physio treatment done in a very professional manner and they do their best to speed your recovery.I have had two stays in this home both have been perfect. Just keep up this standard and you wont have any complaints.Super place.Just to say excellent.Make us feel comfortable and looked after when staying here.Feed us and keep us warm. Regular baths when wanted. Some daily records maintained by members of staff were not as throughly detailed as required. Though basic information about care and support was recorded, some aspects of the service users daily life were not. We have advised the registered manager to develop this aspect of recording with staff. Service users are supported to live as others within the community and where possible maintain these links whilst staying at Medlock Court.Senior managers have continued to develop and promote links with community specialists who provide support services to service users. Service users had their needs kept under review and records confirmed that ongoing reviews were undertaken. Heath care plans were also kept under review to make sure they get the correct support and interventions. Each service users medication is kept individually as are their records. The authority has a training department who work closely with the home to ensure regular training updates are made available. Such training includes the protection of vulnerable adults. Members of staff confirmed that they have all received training in Adult Protection and complaints. Staff receive individual supervision, attend staff meetings, have training and development programmes in place and are appraised annually. This means service users are supported by members of staff who are trained, monitored and supported to a good level. Staff told us in comment cards completed before the visit, Encourages people to socialise treat people as individuals encourage independence, helps people when needed with personal care provides special diets when needed.The home only provides short term care and many people would be happy to stay here. Sometimes two people are
Care Homes for Older People Page 5 of 11 needed to help with moving a person so may not be immediately available. This is a good place where people come on a regular basis for respite care. It is homely whilst providing a safe environment.Medlock Court gives a very excellent standard of care, its staff are always ready to listen to any concerns the service user or relatives may have. It has an informal atmosphere but is very professional in the service and care that it provides. Food is excellent and care second to none. It would be hard to find anything that could be done better, but we are always looking at ways to improve our standard.Medlock is a great place to work. Staff work well together.Provide 24 hour care relevant to all aspects of patients/service users needs.Excellent team work. Spotless clean. Good food and special diet requirements. Management support.Very happy and contented to be part of team at Medlock Court. Good monitoring systems are in place at the home, with senior managers conducting spot checks and completing quality audits.Service users are given the opportunity to comment on the service they receive during their stay ,in residents meetings and are also asked to complete a questionnaire on discharge so that the managers have ongoing feedback to further develop the service they provide at Medlock Court. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 2. Care Homes for Older People Page 6 of 11 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements
These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Older People Page 7 of 11 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection:
Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 9 13 Review and amend the 14/06/2010 administration of medication to service users ensuring medication is administered safely and recorded properly in keeping with medication policies, procedures and safe and best practice. To safeguard service users and staff 2 31 26 When the service manager 14/06/2010 undertakes visits to the home and looks at aspects of the service, talks with and observes service users and members of staff, monitors the environment and looks at records. Prepare a reports of these visits and provide the report to the manager in keeping with the regulations. To evidence that the regulations are being adhered to and ensuring that the service manager and
Care Homes for Older People Page 8 of 11 Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action registered person are aware of how the home is managed. Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service.
No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 7 Further develop the recording in the daily reports to demonstrate the care and support provided to service users. Ensure that when symbols are used which need defining that the date is also included so that a clear and accurate record of medication administration is recorded. Ensure that only recognised symbols are used in the medication administration records so that it is clear when reading the records what the symbols mean. When creams are prescribed by the service users GP make sure that a clear and accurate record is maintained of when these creams or lotions are administered by staff. Include on or with the medication administration records any known allergies service users have to specific medication. If service users GP indicates that medication is to be administered as directed make sure this is referred back to the GP for clear and precise details of when medication should be administered. Include on the risk assessment for service users who are self medicating space for the service users signature to confirm they have been involved in the risk assessment and are in agreement that they are able and are confident to manage their medication themselves. When medication is handwritten on the medication records ensure that a member of staff writing out the entry signs 2 9 Care Homes for Older People Page 9 of 11 Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service.
No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations the record and a second staff member signs to confirm that the prescription has been copied accurately. This will provide additional safeguards to service users. Provide to CQC a copy of the action plan put in place to address the findings of the medication audit and let us know when each of the areas have been addressed. Care Homes for Older People Page 10 of 11 Reader Information
Document Purpose: Author: Audience: Further copies from: Inspection Report Care Quality Commission General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Copies of the National Minimum Standards –Care Homes for Older People can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or got from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. © Care Quality Commission 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for noncommercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010. Care Homes for Older People Page 11 of 11 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!
