Inspection on 06/09/06 for Briar Court Nursing Home

This inspection was carried out on 6th September 2006.

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 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

Briar Court Nursing Home 27/01/09

Briar Court Nursing Home 31/01/06

Briar Court Nursing Home 08/09/05

Briar Court Nursing Home 08/11/04

Briar Court Nursing Home 14/07/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Briar Court Nursing Home 59 Hutton Avenue Hartlepool TS26 9PW Lead Inspector Mrs Sue Lowther Unannounced Inspection 6th & 18 September 2006 10:00 th Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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 Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Briar Court Nursing Home Address 59 Hutton Avenue Hartlepool TS26 9PW 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) 01429 224442 01429 275800 lizwhite@castlebeck.com Castlebeck Care (Teesdale) Limited Mrs Elizabeth White Care Home 11 Category(ies) of Learning disability (11) registration, with number of places Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 14th July 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Briar Court is a registered care home with nursing. The home provides accommodation for eleven younger adults with a learning disability. Briar Court is a detached house in a private residential area in Hartlepool. The home is within easy walking distance of the town centre and local amenities. There is good access to public transport. The home provides single bedroom accommodation with a range of bathing facilities available. There are two lounge areas, one dining room, kitchen, laundry and a garden to the rear of the house. Fees range from £1400 to £2500 weekly and do not include hairdressing or chiropody. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced. The visit to the home took place on the 6th September 2006 between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm. A second visit was carried out on 18th September 2006 where feedback was provided to the manager. All of the key national minimum standards were inspected. The inspector spoke to people who use the service and staff. A selection of records kept by the home was looked at. Prior to the inspection the home had completed a self-assessment document, which provided the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) with information to aid the inspection. Some service users had also completed comment cards, saying what they thought about the service at the home. Comments from the people consulted during the inspection are included throughout the report What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The flooring in the dining room has recently been replaced. The registered manager told the inspector that new tables and chairs had been ordered, but had not yet arrived. The menus have been reviewed and low fat puddings have been introduced. Service users are regularly consulted with regard to this. The home has policies and procedures in place for handling complaints and adult protection. The whistle blowing policy has been more accessible for staff and the reporting policy has been amended to include the locally agreed procedure. The complaints procedure is now available in a pictorial format making it easy for people to use. These procedures help to protect people. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Service users have been encouraged to personalise their bedrooms further. This creates a homely environment and encourages independence. 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. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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 Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Assessment procedures are in place to ensure that the home can meet all of the needs of the people who go to live there. EVIDENCE: Three assessments were looked at during the inspection. In addition to the initial assessment by the home, further assessments were available from other people for example care managers and health care professionals. These are used in combination to form the initial care plan. Service users said they were given information and had the opportunity to visit the home before they moved in. One said “I visited the home three or four times and stayed overnight before I moved in”. Another said “I visited once and liked it so I moved in”. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Reviews of care plans are carried out regularly to ensure that they are up to date and support the changing needs of the individual. Choice making is encouraged where possible. This helps to promote independence. Risk management strategies are in place to safeguard service users. EVIDENCE: Each service user has a care plan. Following admission the home carries out an in depth assessment based around independence. The level of independence that each person may achieve is based on continual assessment and is agreed with the service user. The service user is encouraged to keep the documentation with regard to this ongoing assessment in their bedroom so that they can refer to it at any time. One service user showed the inspector her file, she said, “This is about how I am doing. The staff help me to decide when I am ready to do something new”. Risk taking is encouraged following discussion with the service user, their care manager and the staff at the home. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users enjoy a range of activities which they help to choose and plan. They are supported and encouraged to see relatives and make choices regarding their lives. The meals are of a good standard. Menus are varied and service users are given a choice. EVIDENCE: Service users are encouraged to choose where they would like to go on holiday and activities provided by the home are based on what service users want to do. There is a range of activities available to residents, which include arts and crafts, bingo and theme nights. Outings include visits to the pub, library swimming pool, cinema, museums and shopping centre. Holidays are arranged according to service user choice and level of independence. Some service users work in the local charity shop and one goes to college. One service user said, “I like going down the town and to the pub”. Another said “I have been going to college on my own for two years”. Some service users were due to go on Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 holiday and were very excited and looking forward to it. The manager said that relatives are encouraged to visit the home. They attend social functions and keep in regular contact via the telephone. One relative said “I visit the home whenever possible, I am very happy with the home”. Service user meetings are held every week. This is an opportunity for service users to discuss what activities they would like to do and where they would like to go. Menus are also discussed during these meetings. Menus were looked at during the inspection. The menu had been changed following comments from service users. Low fat puddings have been introduced as recommended in the last inspection report. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 & 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The personal and health care needs of the service users accommodated are being met. The policy for self-administration of medication did not include information on how this is managed when a service user is out of the home. EVIDENCE: Personal care is provided to service users in a respectful way. Staff confirmed that they would knock on doors prior to entering a service users bedroom. Service users could have a bath or shower daily. One of the residents said “I can have a bath when I want”. Where possible same sex care is provided. The home gains support from other health professionals where it is required. There are clear records within individual care plans, which detail how the home will meet all areas of health care needs including any input from other professionals. Medication systems were looked at during the inspection. The home uses a monitored dosage system. All of the medication was signed for on the medication administration records. The policy for self-administration of medication did not include information on how this is managed when a service Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 user is out of the home. This needs to be reviewed to ensure that the current practice is safe. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home has clear policies and procedures in place to support and protect service users. EVIDENCE: There have been no complaints at the home since the last inspection. The home has policies in place for service users, relatives and others to raise complaints. Since the last inspection a pictorial complaints procedure has been made available to support service users who want to complain. Comments from residents included “I talk to staff when I am not happy” and “I tell the manager if I am unhappy”. There are policies in place to protect service users from risks of abuse. The majority of staff have been trained in adult protection. All staff said that they would “whistle blow” (tell someone) if they thought a resident was at risk of harm or abuse. Some issues around adult protection were raised with the CSCI in June 2006, which resulted in a random inspection being carried out. The issues were also investigated by Hartlepool Borough Council using their safeguarding adult procedures. The outcome of the inspection recommended that the home make the whistle blowing policy more accessible for staff. It was also recommended that their reporting policy be amended to include the locally agreed procedure. The inspector checked the records and found that these areas had been addressed. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Hartlepool Borough Council could not substantiate the complaint from the evidence available. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home is clean and well maintained. It is decorated and furnished to a good standard and provides a homely environment for the people who live there. EVIDENCE: The inspector looked around the home and found it to be light and airy. Service users said that they could take their own possessions into the home to make their rooms more pleasant and homely. One service user said, “I have turned my bedroom into a bedsit. I have got a fridge and a sofa. I like my bedsit lots and I like to have a cup of coffee in my bedsit”. The communal areas of the home were clean and service users confirmed that their bedrooms are always cleaned to a good standard. The last inspection report recommended that the dining room environment be improved to make it more attractive for service users. The flooring had been replaced and the manager told the inspector that new tables and chairs have been ordered. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 & 35 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Staff are appropriately recruited, trained and in sufficient numbers to meet the needs of the people who live in the home. EVIDENCE: The home had staff files in place, which provided evidence that the appointment of new members of staff is made through proper recruitment processes. This includes the vetting of staff through the use of Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks, Protection of Vulnerable Adult checks (POVA) and written references. The staffing rotas were examined during the inspection. The home has one qualified nurse and three carers on duty during the day. At night this is reduced to one qualified nurse and one carer. Staff felt that the levels are sufficient to meet the needs of the service users. Comments from service users included “The staff are good” and “The staff are nice. We all get on well”. There is a commitment at the home to having a trained workforce with 71 of staff having completed NVQ level two or three training in care. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Some of the training that had recently taken place included fire safety, health and safety, food awareness and protection of vulnerable adults. Certificates to confirm this were seen in staff files. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users can be assured that the home is well managed and they are given the opportunity to comment on how the home is run. Policies and procedures are in place to safeguard their health, safety and wellbeing. EVIDENCE: The manager is well qualified, she has several years experience working with people who have a learning disability. She is a qualified nurse and has an appropriate management qualification. The home has good internal systems to gain feedback from service users about the service provided. The manager is in daily contact with service users and operates an open door policy. Meetings are also held every week. Service users and families are welcome to attend. This gives people an opportunity to make their views about the home known. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The manager carries out a quality assurance and monitoring audit on a monthly basis. This covers all aspects of care delivery and environmental issues. Copies of these were available in the home. The home carries out risk assessments which helps to minimise risk. As far as possible residents are involved in this process and sign to say they agree to it. The manager confirmed that the home carries out regular health & safety checks. The inspector checked some of the records. Those viewed were up to date. Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.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 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 X 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 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 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 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 2 X 4 X 3 X X 3 X Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 YA20 Good Practice Recommendations Briar Court Nursing Home DS0000000148.V309188.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 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. 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