Inspection on 07/08/08 for Alexandra Park

This inspection was carried out on 7th August 2008.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Blenheim House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/11/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Alexandra Park Alexandra Way Newbiggin by the Sea Northumberland NE64 6JW Lead Inspector Anne Brown Key Unannounced Inspection 7th August 2008 10:00 Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.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 Adults 18-65. 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. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Alexandra Park Address Alexandra Way Newbiggin by the Sea Northumberland NE64 6JW 01670 812615 01670 523631 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) Active Care Partnerships Care Home 32 Category(ies) of Learning disability (32), Mental disorder, registration, with number excluding learning disability or dementia (32), of places Physical disability (32) Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 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: Learning Disability - Code LD, maximum number of places 32 Physical Disability, Code PD, maximum number of places 32 Mental Disorder, excluding learning disability or dementia, Code MD maximum number of places 32 The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 32 This is the first key inspection for this service. 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Alexandra Park is a custom-designed and built facility offering services for adults with autistic spectrum disorder or Asperger’s Syndrome. It comprises 28 single occupancy bungalows and a five bedroomed house. Support will be provided over twenty four hours by staff who will be trained by Alexandra Park’s Consultant Specialist in autism. There is a resource centre on site where training, parent coaching, career teaching, social activity and administration will be carried out. The home has recently changed ownership. The new management team are applying to register a domiciliary care agency on the premises. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is 1 star. This means that the people who may use this service experience adequate quality outcomes. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • • • Information we have received since the service was first registered on 13th February 2008. Any changes to how the home is run. The provider’s view of how well they will care for people. The visit • • An unannounced visit was made on 7th August 2008. A further visit was made on 14th August 2008. During the visit we: • • • • • • Talked to the general manager and care services manager. Looked at assessment information about the people who may use the service and how well their needs are met. Looked at some policies and procedures. Looked at staff training programmes. Looked at the home’s recruitment and selection procedures. Looked around the premises to make sure they were clean, safe and comfortable. We told the manager of the home what we found. What the service does well: Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 No one is using the service at the present time. However the General Manager and Care Services Manager have been appointed. They are working hard to ensure health and safety issues on the premises are addressed to allow people to be admitted as soon as possible. The management in the home have carried out risk assessments on all areas of the home and individual assessments for each bungalow. An Administrative Manager and a Maintenance Manager are also in post. The service has also recruited a maintenance person for the site. The management have recruited a staff team which comprises a Unit Manager, three Senior Support Workers and one Domestic Assistant. The team are currently having induction training which includes training provided by specialists in autism. Criminal Record Bureau checks and two written references have been obtained prior to staff commencing employment. 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. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1 and 2. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. There is information about the home to help people decide if they wish to live there. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A brochure has been produced describing the services that can be provided for people who wish to live in the home. The manager confirmed that assessments would be obtained from care managers prior to people being admitted. He said he would also carry out his own assessment to help ensure individual needs could be met. The manager has completed one assessment for someone who wishes to live in the home. This was done in the person’s present home at various times over a two day period. This included discussions with the staff who support the person at present, observation and gathering information on past history, functional ability, living skills, social relationships, leisure, religious and cultural needs and communication. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is not assessed. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: These standards were not assessed as there is no one using the service at the present time. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is not assessed. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: These standards were not assessed as there is no one using the service at the present time. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is not assessed. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: These standards were not assessed as there are no people using the service at the present time. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is not assessed. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: These standards were not assessed as there is no one using the service at the present time. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24. Quality in this outcome area is poor. Some aspects of the environment are not currently safe for people who may use the service. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The five bedroomed house and one bungalow were viewed. A full inspection could not be carried out as the water storage system was unsafe. Also work was being carried out by the maintenance team. Although the premises have been decorated the care manager stated that the walls are to be repainted in neutral colours. This will enable people using the service to choose their own décor. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 The public pathways around the premises are gravelled which could be unsafe for some people. The water system is unsafe as it contains Legionella. The soak-away pond is not fenced off which could present a health and safety hazard. The pathways up to the bungalows are not level with the garden surrounding them. There is a risk that people may stumble and lose their balance. There is a dip by the gateway of the pedestrian pathway which could cause people to fall. Some parts of the site are prone to flooding. At present a team of gardeners are relocating the shrubs and plants to more suitable places and laying membranes to suppress the weeds. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 and 35. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. The staff working in the service are appropriately recruited, selected, trained and supervised. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A policy and procedure for the recruitment and selection of staff is in place. The files showed that two written references are obtained prior to staff being employed. Gaps in employment history are discussed at interview and recorded. Head Office carries out Criminal Record Bureau checks and confirms that these have taken place by e mail. The present staff team were undergoing induction training and specialist training at the time of the inspection. A thorough programme provides staff with the knowledge they require to help ensure the individual needs of the people using the service are met. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. 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 are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 40, 42 and 43. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. The two managers in post are aware of the work that needs to be done before the service opens. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The managers of the service are committed to providing a good service. They have identified health and safety issues and carried out risk assessments in all areas. These issues have been reported to the proprietor for their attention. These include:Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Ensuring the water supply throughout the premises is free from legionella. Ensuring the surface on the pathways are safe for the people using the service. Ensuring the camber at the pedestrian gateway is made safe. Ensuring the fire alarm is in good working order. Ensuring the pathways leading up to each bungalow are safe. Ensuring the soak-away pond is made safe to protect the people using the service. Policies and procedures are in place and staff will receive training from the management. These include health and safety, whistle blowing, confidentiality, equal opportunities, grievance/disciplinary and safeguarding adults. Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 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 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 1 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 X STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X X X X X X 3 X 1 3 Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NA 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. 1. Standard YA24 YA42 Regulation 13(4) Requirement The registered provider must ensure the following prior to people using the service:1. Ensure the water storage system is safe. 2. Ensure the surface on pathways are safe. 3. Ensure camber on pedestrian gateway is safe. 4. Ensure fire alarm is in good working order. 5. Ensure soak away pond is made safe. Timescale for action 31/12/08 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection North Eastern Region St Nicholas Building St Nicholas Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1NB 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 Alexandra Park DS0000071701.V369339.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 - 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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