Inspection on 14/03/07 for Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home

This inspection was carried out on 14th March 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home 13/11/08

Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home 08/03/06

Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home 05/07/05

Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home 17/03/05

Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home 17/08/04

Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home 16/02/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/07/2008.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home Acorn Hollow Manchester Road Lostock Gralam Northwich Cheshire CW9 7QA Lead Inspector Joan Adam Unannounced Inspection 14th March 2007 09:30 X10015.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home Address Acorn Hollow Manchester Road Lostock Gralam Northwich Cheshire CW9 7QA 01606 45603 01606 45655 Acornhollow@schealthcare.co.uk www.schealthcare.co.uk Southern Cross Healthcare Services Limited Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Karen Clark Care Home 48 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (48) of places Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. Within the maximum of 48, 40 OP beds for nursing care Within the maximum of 48, 13 OP beds for personal care only Date of last inspection 8th March 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Acorn Hollow is a purpose built home registered to provide nursing and personal care for 48 elderly service users. It is situated in a residential area close to a range of local facilities. The home is on two floors with access to the first floor by passenger lift or two internal stairways. All of the bedrooms are single rooms with an en-suite WC and wash hand-basin. Toilets and bathrooms are located around the home. Registered general nurses are employed in the home 24 hours a day. The current fees for the home are £343.35 to £563.50. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This visit took place on 14th March 07 and took seven hours. It was carried out by an inspector of the Commission The visit was just one part of the inspection. The home was not informed of the date the visit was to take place, but a few weeks prior to the visit the manager was asked to complete a questionnaire to provide the inspector with some information about the service. The manager was also asked to distribute questionnaires to residents, relatives and health and social care professionals to help the inspector find out what they think of the home. Six responses were received from relatives and one from a general practitioner. All were positive about the standard of care in the home. During the visit the inspector spoke with the manager, staff, residents and visitors. The premises and various records held by the home were looked at. Feedback was given to the registered manager at the end of the inspection. What the service does well: The questionnaires received and the residents spoken with were all satisfied with the care they received at Acorn Hollow. Comments such as “ we are very happy with the care provision at the home” “ the staff are very caring and supportive” “the home is always clean”” the care and support is wonderful not only to the resident but also to the family.” The care needs of all residents are assessed to ensure that the home can meet their needs. Care plans are in place so that the staff know how to care for the residents living at Acorn Hollow. Care plans are updated and reviewed on a monthly basis following discussion with residents and relatives. The home is staffed with people who are trained to look after older residents. Recruitment procedures, staff training and staff supervision ensure that residents are protected from harm. Residents’ financial interests are also safeguarded. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home is clean and comfortable with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Residents say that they like living at Acorn Hollow. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3,6 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Assessments of people’s care needs are carried out before they move into the home so that residents know their needs can be met. EVIDENCE: The files of two newly admitted residents who had moved into the home in recent months were looked at. A detailed assessment of all dependency levels and likes and dislikes had been carried out. Some background information regarding the resident and family circumstances had been noted. There was evidence that relatives had been involved in the pre admission process. The pre-admission assessments had been carried out by the manager. The home is not registered to take residents with intermediate care needs. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ health, personal and social care needs are met by staff who enable them to maintain their privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: The care plans of four residents were looked at. Care plans identified areas of need such as pressure area care, mobility, continence, nutrition, tissue viability and general dependency. The care plans were detailed and contained well written concise information to provide care staff with the necessary information for them to look after a person’s needs. There was written evidence to confirm that care plans were being reviewed and evaluated regularly and showed that there had been consultation with residents or their families/advocates. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Care plan audits are completed on a monthly basis by the home manager. The home had a warm and friendly atmosphere and the staff were seen to interact well with the residents. Staff were seen to knock on doors and wait before entering bedrooms and bathrooms. Residents said that “ the staff are lovely they can’t do enough for you” “all the staff are really nice and they treat me with respect.” “ the manager and deputy are excellent and very professional” “ no complaints at all everything is great” Relatives also said that they were happy with the care their family members received. One questionnaire completed said “ the staff are very caring and supportive” Medication management and storage arrangements were looked at. The home used a monitored dosage system. Medication administration records were completed correctly and medicines were stored correctly. The manager has recently completed a medication audit and this is completed monthly. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The routines of daily living and activities available are flexible and varied to suit residents’ expectations, preferences and capacities. EVIDENCE: A new activities co-ordinator is in post following the death of Norma, the previous activities co-ordinator, who was well loved by the residents and staff. The residents had been to a local garden centre and chose a magnolia tree to plant in the garden and many residents, staff and visitors to the home have written in a remembrance book which is to be given to Norma’s family. Activities at the home are varied and include flower arranging, card making, dominoes, card games, jigsaws, film afternoons, reminiscence, massage, reflexology, tipple nights and bingo. Trips out to the local shops, local garden centres, church and for pub lunches are arranged on a regular basis. Residents said that” there is always something going on” Age concern have been in the home to work with the residents making cards as part of their “ wear it purple” project. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 A local artist has held an exhibition at the home and any money from sales of pictures are to be given to the home. Menus are varied and food on offer is wholesome with fresh fruit and vegetables to enable the residents to have a nutritious diet. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Appropriate systems are in place to minimise the risk of abuse. EVIDENCE: The home’s complaints procedure provides appropriate guidance and information as to how to make a complaint. There have been no complaints made to CSCI since the last inspection. There are adult protection and whistle blowing policies in place which was compatible with DOH guidance “No Secrets”. Copies of “No Secrets were available. Staff had been trained in the protection of vulnerable adults and this was recorded in the staff training records. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,26. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Acorn Hollow provides a comfortable environment for those living there and visiting. EVIDENCE: During a tour of the premises the home was noted to be clean and free from odours. Since the last inspection some bedrooms, lounges, corridors and dining rooms had been redecorated and a new carpet had been fitted in one of the lounges. The carpet for the upstairs corridor is due to be fitted within the next week to enable the requirement from the last inspection to be fully met. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The manager has requested that the flooring in the bathrooms and toilets be replaced throughout the home as these are becoming worn. The home was clean and fresh on the day of the visit. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staffing levels and skill mix are sufficient to meet the needs of the residents, Residents are protected by the home’s recruitment practices and staff training. EVIDENCE: There are adequate numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of the residents living there. Staff training at the home is on going and copies of courses undertaken were seen on the staff files and on the training matrix. These included moving and handling, fire awareness, first aid, food hygiene, care planning, customer care, guide to foot care, health and safety and protection of vulnerable adults. All n A training programme is in place to enable staff to achieve NVQ level two in care. Twelve of the thirty care staff have completed the course making forty eight per cent of staff at the home who have achieved the award. However, the government target of fifty per cent of all care staff to be qualified by 2005 has not been met. Staff files were looked at for three newly employed staff members and all of these contained appropriate checks prior to commencement of employment. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33,35,38 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The health, safety and welfare of the service users are protected. The views of service users are obtained to influence the running of the home. Staff are fully supervised EVIDENCE: The home has an experienced and competent manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. She has attended courses/training in order to fulfil her management responsibilities and was able to demonstrate an awareness of the diverse needs of the resident group and how to manage the staff team. She has completed NVQ level 4 and the registered managers award. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The residents that commented said that the home’s management team were approachable and professional and “easy to talk to.” Staff are supervised appropriately and regularly by the Manager. Supervision sessions cover practice, training and objectives and link with a clear appraisal system. The systems for the recording of any monies or valuables held were good. Health and safety procedures at Acorn Hollow are good. Fire drills and risk assessments are in good order. Certificates and maintenance records are up to date and appropriate. The pre inspection questionnaire provided information to confirm that equipment and installations at the home are serviced on a regular basis. The home employs a handyman who attends to maintenance issues such as checking fire equipment, water temperatures and other health and safety matters, providing a safe environment for staff and residents. The home has a quality monitoring system in place including audits by the manager on a monthly basis of care plans, medication management, accident audit and pressure sore audits. The area manager visits the home on monthly basis and audits completed by the home manager are validated. A regulation twenty six report is completed and a copy sent to CSCI. Resident/relative meetings and staff meetings are held at the home on a regular basis and minutes can be seen by all who attended. Questionnaires are sent out to residents and relatives to gain their views on the service provided by the home. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 4 X 3 X x 4 Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard OP28 Good Practice Recommendations The home must have 5o of care staff qualified to NVQ level 2 or equivalent. Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northwich Local Office Unit D Off Rudheath Way Gadbrook Park Northwich CW9 7LT National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Acorn Hollow General Nursing Home DS0000018718.V328251.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 - 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. 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