Inspection on 24/05/07 for Ashton Court

This inspection was carried out on 24th May 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. 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 there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

Other inspections for this house

Ashton Court 24/07/06

Ashton Court 25/01/06

Ashton Court 03/08/05

Ashton Court 17/01/05

Ashton Court 16/06/04

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Ashton Court 376 West Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 9RJ Lead Inspector Allan Helmrich Key Unannounced Inspection 10:00 24th May 2007 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 Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.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. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashton Court Address 376 West Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 9RJ 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) 0191 275 0638 F/P 0191 2750638 Solehawk Limited Mrs Sue Horsley Care Home 37 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (37) of places Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 24th July 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Ashton Court is a care home that provides personal care for 37 older people. The home is situated on the corner of the West Road and Two Ball Lonnen and is close to local amenities and public transport. There is an accessible garden and car parking space. Accommodation is over two floors and a passenger lift is provided. All bedrooms are currently single occupancy and there are larger rooms that can be used as doubles. The home has a large lounge that is divided into smaller areas and there is an adjoining dining room. Information about the home is readily available to prospective service users. The current fees charged per week are between £366 and £375. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the home’s periodic unannounced key inspection visit. The inspection took place on the 24th May 2007 between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Time was spent talking to a company manager, the home manager, some care staff and several residents. Some of the home’s care records were reviewed and the systems that maintain residents safety. Some residents’ case records were specifically assessed against the style of care provided. This is called ‘Case Tracking’. Questionnaires were provided for residents and visitors to the home. Responses were received from twelve relatives/visitors and ten residents. Information provided by them is used in the report. What the service does well: The home is well managed and run in the best interests of residents. There is a stable staff team of experienced, mature carers. There is a thorough assessment of residents’ needs. A good activities programme is in place and residents are encouraged to be involved. Comments from visitors questionnaires are; We have noticed a great improvement in our relatives appearance and wellbeing. My mother receives better care now than when she was in hospital. My mother is well cared for. The staff are always courteous and well mannered. My mother is allowed freedom of choice. I am very happy with my mothers care and she is happy in the home. Caring atmosphere and friendly staff. The staff are dedicated to their job. Staff entertain, talk and are very caring to make everyone comfortable and happy. Staff encourage and stimulate the residents. Comments from residents questionnaires are; Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 I I I I speak with the manager every day. enjoy playing dominoes. enjoy baking and doing puzzles. lived in another home but I like this one better. 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. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.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 Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.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): 1, 3, 6. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A good range of information is available to prospective residents. The admission process reduces the possibility of admitting someone whose needs cannot be met. Intermediate care is not provided. EVIDENCE: A brochure or a more comprehensive guide to Ashton Court is available to anyone enquiring about the home. All of the returned questionnaires confirmed the information provided by the home was of a good standard. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Residents spoken to were happy with the arrangements made when they moved into the home. A range of information about the home and the service it provides is on display in the home. Four care plans reviewed contained details of an assessment done by management before a place is offered. This assessment was done before admission to the home and included information provided by care managers. This ensures the home can provide the level of care needed by the resident. Following admission senior care staff ensure that any problems are identified and that the home has appropriate equipment to meet the residents needs. Shortly after admission each resident is given information by senior staff about their care plans and to ensure their care needs are being met. The resident then has the opportunity to sign the care records. The care records are clear and easy to read. Staff spoken to used the care records to provide appropriate care. The home does not accept referrals requiring rehabilitation but empty rooms are used to provide respite care. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ health and personal care needs are addressed. The home medicines. has appropriate procedures for handling and administering Residents’ privacy and dignity is maintained. EVIDENCE: Four care plans were reviewed. They all contained a social assessment and a plan for daily living. Care plans describing to staff how care is to be provided are written and risks in daily living are assessed. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Risk assessments are written with how these can be reduced. Each resident’s health is assessed. Residents, weights are regularly recorded and care plans are generally reviewed monthly to ensure the care provided meets the individual’s needs. Systems are in place to meet the needs of any resident with a pressure sore and residents at risk are provided with the equipment to support them. The assessment of care plans done regularly by staff to ensure residents’ needs are met. The system for the administration of medicines was checked and found to be good. Staff who dispense medicines are trained and records are maintained for ordering, receiving, administering and disposal. Medicines are stored safely. Residents seen were dressed appropriately in their own clothes. Staff were seen to treat residents respectfully and deal with any personal issues with dignity. Locks on bathroom and toilet doors checked during a tour of the building worked smoothly to enable people with less mobility to use them. Residents spoken to during the inspection all said that staff provided good care and were respectful. This was confirmed in the returned questionnaires. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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): 12, 13, 14, 15. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents enjoy a range of appropriate activities. There are many regular visitors in the home. Good meals are provided. EVIDENCE: The home provides support for residents to be as independent as they are able. Each resident’s preferences regarding activities are recorded in their care records. Religious and social needs are met. Church visitors provide support for any resident requiring it and a religious service with communion is provided. During the inspection a church visitor came into the home to meet with a resident. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The home employs a person to lead the daily activities. There are regular bingo sessions, quizzes and dominoes. Some residents said they enjoy the activities provided in the home. One resident stated he was aware of the activities but chooses not to be involved. Throughout the day staff were seen using reminiscence material while talking to residents, others were involved in games of dominoes and general conversation with residents. Comments in the questionnaires from visitors regarding activities included; staff help my mother join in with activities, staff entertain and talk to residents, staff encourage and stimulate residents to participate in mental and physical activities. Residents wrote; I enjoy baking and puzzles, I enjoy dominoes. One resident stated she does not get out much, only when the family come. A range of menus provided prior to the inspection showed that wholesome meals are provided. During a tour of the premises the kitchen stores were inspected. A range of fresh vegetables, salads and fruit were available. The cook was aware of good food practices to ensure residents are well nourished but she had not done the latest training regarding safe food and meals transported to residents bedrooms was not covered. The lunchtime meal was observed. Appropriate numbers of staff were around to ensure that any residents who needed it were supported. Tables were set with tablecloths and centre decorations. Residents spoken to after lunch said that they had enjoyed their meals. Most residents have good family support. Visitors are welcomed at any time and people completing the questionnaires confirmed this. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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): 16, 18. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home deals appropriately with complaints. There are procedures to protect residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: There have been no complaints since the last inspection. Staff know what to do should they receive a complaint from a resident or visitor. All of the returned questionnaires said that they knew who to speak to if they were unhappy. Each new resident is provided with a copy of the complaints procedure and a copy is on the home’s notice board for visitors. The home has policies and procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults, prevention of abuse and whistle blowing (informing on bad practice). Staff were able to describe in practice the Whistle Blowing Policy. Staff are provided with relevant training. There have been no allegations of abuse. The manager has attended more intense training related to protecting vulnerable people. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is safe for residents and has a reasonable standard of maintenance. EVIDENCE: The home is near some local shops and on a main bus route into the city centre. Requirements to improve the maintenance of the building made at the last inspection have been addressed. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The area manager said that some improvements had been made to the building and others were planned to improve the home for residents. Generally the home is clean and safe. No odours were detected during a tour of the building. The manager is the link person for receiving the latest training related to infection control. This ensures the standards for residents in the home are high. Pull chords in bathrooms and toilets have been changed to make them easier to clean but these are not substantial. The home has a sluice and the laundry is fitted with appropriate equipment meets disinfection standards. Residents spoken to were happy with the home and many bedrooms were personalised with small items of furniture and memorabilia. One visitor stated in a questionnaire that it would be nice to have a summerhouse in the garden. One resident stated she lived in another care home but she likes this one better. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): 27, 28, 29, 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Trained staff employed in sufficient numbers meet residents needs. The home operates a thorough recruitment process to ensure residents are safe. EVIDENCE: The staff rotas were examined. Staffing levels are unchanged at four carers including a senior, 8.00 am – 2.00 pm; three carers including a senior, 2.00 pm – 10.00 pm; one senior and one carer, 10.00 pm – 8.00 am. This level of staffing should meet the needs of the current residents. In addition the home employs an activities person and ample catering, domestic and laundry staff. The manager is supernumerary. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home uses an induction, foundation and training record that meets the SKILLS requirements. Staff are well trained. 75 of care staff have achieved NVQ level 2 in care or above. The manager maintains a list of all training undertaken by staff. This is regularly reviewed and any training requirements are obtained. This is a good basis for providing appropriate care for residents in the home. Four care staff are not enrolled on a NVQ and the manager has not formally assessed their competences to ensure residents are well cared for. The personnel records for the two members of staff were inspected. The files contained applications forms, appropriate references, evidence of checks made by the Criminal Records Bureau and information required to confirm the identity of the person employed. A list of the information provided to staff is retained in the individual files. The files did not show that staff receive care council codes of conduct. Many of the staff team have worked in the home for several years and throughout the inspection residents praised the quality of care provided. Staff spoken to stated that a good range of appropriate training is provided, that clear direction is provided by management and that good support is available from other staff. This helps them provide a good service to the residents. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. An experienced manager supports residents. A system to monitor and improve the quality of care for residents is not in place. A system to monitor residents’ financial interests is in place. Residents are reasonably safe. Systems to monitor welfare and good hygiene are in place. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager is an experienced qualified Registered General Nurse who has also completed the Registered Manager’s Award. She has been in charge of this home for several years. Residents spoken to during the inspection stated that the manager is always available to discuss matters relating to the running of the home. Questionnaires returned contained praise for the manager and the standard of care provided. A quality monitoring system is not in place to ensure care practices are continually improved for residents, But questionnaires were provided for relatives and staff, these have not yet been analysed. The requirement made at the last inspection, for the company to visit the home an prepare a report of their findings, has been actioned. The last management visit was on 21st May 2007. Two staff spoken to stated that the home is well run and that they feel supported in their work. Meetings are held regularly with the workforce and a record is kept of those in attendance and the issues discussed. Many residents control their own monies. A system is in place to hold monies should residents require this service. Transactions are recorded and evidenced by two signatures, receipts are obtained and management audits the accounts. Systems are in place to ensure the home is safe for residents. Certificates were seen to demonstrate maintenance tasks carried out by external contractors were done. Water temperatures are checked and a risk assessment is in place to show the water system is free from Legionella. The requirement made at the last inspection to ensure the home’s electrical wiring is safe has not been addressed. Accidents in the home are recorded and analysed on a monthly basis to ensure problems for residents are identified. A fire risk assessment has been produced and regular fire checks are recorded and staff training provided to ensure residents are safe. Each member of staff is provided with health and safety training. Infection control systems and systems to ensure a good standard of hygiene is maintained is the responsibility of the homes manager. Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 3 X 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 2 13 3 14 3 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 2 X 3 X X 2 Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? YES 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. 2. Standard OP15 OP28 Regulation 12(1)(a) 18 Requirement Ensure plate covers are available when food is transported around the home. The manager must formally assess the quality of staff providing care that have not achieved a recognised qualification. This assessment should be available on their file for inspection. All staff must be provided with the GSCC code of conduct. The Registered Person must ensure that an annual development plan to monitor the quality of the service is introduced. THIS REQUIREMENT IS OUTSTANDING FROM A PREVIOUS INSPECTION. Obtain a certificate to demonstrate the home’s electrical wiring is safe. THIS REQUIREMENT IS OUTSTANDING FROM A PREVIOUS INSPECTION. Timescale for action 30/06/07 30/06/07 3. OP33 24 31/08/07 4. OP38 23 30/06/07 Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 OP12 Good Practice Recommendations Following the comment from a resident that she ‘does not get out much’ , review the availability of staff to provide the opportunity for residents to leave the home for short periods. Provide the opportunity for catering staff to do Safer food better business, training. Produce a planned maintenance programme for the home with action dates. Change the flimsy pull chords in bathrooms and toilets for more substantial ones with the same ability to keep clean. Consider providing a summerhouse for residents use in the garden. 2. 3. OP15 OP19 Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Ashton Court DS0000000392.V333614.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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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