Inspection on 26/07/06 for 42-44 Westfield Drive

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Health care needs were clearly identified, monitored and treated. One relative who spoke with the inspector explained that their relative spent a great deal of time in bed. They said that the staff checked on the relative at regular intervals and kept a chart in the room to record that they had done so. A relative said that the home was always clean and fresh, they never know that I am coming. This relative also said "they are an excellent home". When the resident was in bed they had ear-phones that they could wear so that they could hear their television better. One relative explained that since being at the home their relative was "brand new, getting use to people, seemed happier now, had put on weight and looked well".From observations of care practices it was clear that staff treat residents sensitively and with respect. They ensure that privacy is given during personal care. The senior care staff in charge was able to show the inspector information from the NHS web site that they had obtained. It contained meal choices suitable for specialist diets; the home was in the process of contacting the Dietician. This was also verified by the current meals planned. Family members spoke of regular activities at the home for residents and there was an activities board. The five visiting relatives for different residents confirmed that they felt welcomed by the home and that if they were unhappy with the care their family member received they would know who to contact to make a complaint. On talking to two staff members they were able to fully demonstrate awareness and understanding of the Protection of Vulnerable Adult issues.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The laundry has now been completed. A downstairs bathroom is now undergoing refurbishment.

What the care home could do better:

The three case files examined showed that there were individual plans of care that were recorded however difficulties within the recording system were still evident as staff did not always type the information on the computer on the day of the incident. As both systems, paper and computer exist, this must be cross- referenced in the care plans. The system for administering medication was checked and found to be unsatisfactory as there where were some unexplained gaps in the medicine kardex. (A medicine kardex is a system used for recording when medicines arrive, are administered or destroyed at the home.) The controlled drugs system was checked and requires improvement by ensuring that controlled drugs no longer required are returned to the pharmacist. Notifications of accidents, incidents and events were not always sent to the Commission of Social Care Inspections (CSCI).