Inspection on 15/02/07 for Charles Curran House

This inspection was carried out on 15th February 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 no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 5 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Charles Curran House 03/10/06

Charles Curran House 30/11/05

Charles Curran House 01/06/05

Charles Curran House 27/10/04

Charles Curran House 17/05/04

Similar services:

Ashlong House

Norbury Crescent (30)

Edenvale

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Chatsworth Care - Dawson House

Cowden Road, 52 - 54

Chatsworth Care - Tudor Lodge

Foxley Lane (121a)

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Charles Curran House 36 Boniface Road Ickenham Middlesex UB10 8BU Lead Inspector Robert Bond Key Unannounced Inspection 15th February 2007 10:00 Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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 Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Charles Curran House Address 36 Boniface Road Ickenham Middlesex UB10 8BU 01895 674 935 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) kjebson@hillingdon.gov.uk London Borough of Hillingdon Mrs Kim Sharon Jebson Care Home 22 Category(ies) of Learning disability (0), Physical disability (0), registration, with number Sensory impairment (0) of places Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 3rd October 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Charles Curran House is a purpose built two storey care home for adults with profound learning disabilities, operated by Hillingdon Council and opened in 1981. It is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, very close to the centre of Ickenham village and hence is close to all local facilities and public transport. The home is divided into four units and can accommodate 22 permanent service users of either sex who have usually a mixture of learning and physical disability and sensory impairment. All service users attend day centres up to four days per week and the home has the use of three vehicles to take them out. Weekly fees are up to £845.48. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a ‘key inspection’ that assessed only the ‘key’ National Minimum Standards (NMS) for care homes for younger adults. The Registered Manager submitted to the CSCI a pre-inspection questionnaire to provide key data, and the CSCI sent out questionnaires to relatives of service users, and to care managers and doctors who know the home. A total of 17 responses were received. The feedback was very positive and quotes from the responses are included in this report. The Inspector visited the premises, toured the building, interviewed the Administrator, met other staff, met service users, and examined a variety of records. On the day of the inspection visit the Registered Manager was undertaking her Registered Manager Award training. Thanks are expressed to the home’s Administrator for ably assisting the Inspector in the Registered Manager’s absence. The home had one service user vacancy on the day of the inspection, but it was reported that the home had 8 vacant support worker posts. Recruitment is under way, but at present high use is still being made of agency employees, although some are of long standing. The Inspector assessed the homes performance against 23 of the NMS, and found that 20 of the anticipated outcomes were fully met, but 3 were only partly met. This led to the Inspector making 5 requirements. All 6 requirements and 3 recommendations from the previous CSCI inspection have been complied with. No equality and diversity issues were identified. The home continues to provide good standards of care, in a flexible manner. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Moving and handling risk assessments are being undertaken using an improved framework. The emergency cards held for each service user now always include a recent photograph of the service user. Light levels in the home have been improved by cutting back a tree in the garden, and by improving the electric lighting in one bathroom. A substantial amount of redecoration to bedrooms, and to communal areas, has taken place. Some new carpets have been laid. Some new wardrobes have been purchased. Staff recruitment is underway to fill vacant posts. 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. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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 Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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): 2. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are fully assessed in advance. EVIDENCE: The home currently has one vacancy. The Administrator reported that one prospective new service user has been considered for the vacant place but as the parents wished their offspring to be placed nearer the coast, no formal assessments have been undertaken. She added that when an assessment is next undertaken, the process and outcome will be formally recorded. One care manager provided the CSCI with feedback as follows, “Having recently met at Charles Curran House with a potential resident’s parent, I was impressed at the clear understanding staff have about individuality of their residents.” Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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): 6, 7 and 9. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users and their relatives know to a satisfactory extent that the assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected well in the service user plans. Service users are enabled to make decisions about their lives to satisfactory extent. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle as far as possible within the constraints of service user abilities. EVIDENCE: The Inspector examined in detail (case-tracked) the care records of an existing service user, chosen at random. The Inspector noted that the old care plans were kept in the office, and the current care plan was kept in the relevant unit of the home. The care plan provided all required details about personal care needs and how to meet them. The care plan had been reviewed after six months. Service users and relatives are involved in reviews where possible. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Risk assessments had been undertaken in sufficient detail, and are subject to review. Staff have been recently trained in the completion of moving and handling risk assessments. The records contained evidence of the service user being consulted, and her choices being promoted. The emergency card held contained a photograph of the service user. A relative wrote in her CSCI feedback questionnaire, ”The standard of care at Charles Curran House is excellent.” Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are encouraged to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities to a good extent. Service users are part of the local community to a satisfactory extent. Service users are enabled to maintain appropriate personal and family relationships where possible. Service users’ rights and responsibilities are recognised. Service users are offered a sufficiently healthy diet in an appropriate setting. EVIDENCE: The Inspector noted evidence of substantial day centre attendance by the service users. Some service users go to Berkshire College to learn cookery, art and craft. Those service users not at a day centre on the day of the inspection were being stimulated by the support staff in the care home. The Administrator mentioned in-house activities such as pajama parties, and take away food evenings. Activities outside of the home include shopping, lunch trips, cinema visits and outings to Whipsnade Zoo. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 The home has three vehicles to take service users out. A holiday was undertaken on the Isle of Wight last year. The Administrator added that family links are welcomed and there are Parent and Carer meetings held quarterly. Each service user has a Communication Sheet to record family contact. The feedback received from relatives via the CSCI questionnaires was very positive. For example, “Charles Curran House has a very caring atmosphere. The clients’ welfare is always put first”. The home does not employ a cook as meals are cooked on each unit by the support staff. This system seems to work well, and allows more flexibility and choice of meals. The overall menu is now in picture format to aid service users’ understanding. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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): 18, 19 and 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users receive good personal care in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional healthy needs are met well. Service users are not able to retain control of their own medication but are well protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medication. EVIDENCE: As the Inspector toured the home, he observed care being provided to service users in a caring manner. The care plan examined by the Inspector contained sufficient detail on how personal care should be met. Service users all have a person-centred plan. Health Action Plans are in place. Two GP surgeries provide a service to the care home, and annual health checks are undertaken on every service user. One GP completed the CSCI questionnaire in a positive manner. Nursing input is provided by Community Learning Disability Nurses, one of whom completed the CSCI questionnaire by saying that the staff at Charles Curran House dealt with matters in an appropriate and effective manner. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Occupational therapy assessments, physiotherapy, optician, dentist, chiropodist and aromatherapist are all available. The Inspector undertook a medication check in one unit of the home, and found everything to be in order. A pharmacist from Boots the Chemist undertakes full quarterly audits. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): 22 and 23. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users and relatives can feel that their views are listened to and acted upon well. Service users are well protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. EVIDENCE: The Administrator reported that no complaints had been received by the home since before the previous CSCI inspection. No complaints were made to the CSCI in the questionnaire responses. The complaints procedure is well advertised within the care home. The home has the London Borough of Hillingdon’s Adult Protection (Safeguarding Adults) policy and procedure in place. Staff have been trained in understanding and applying the policy. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users live in an environment that is very homely and comfortable, but not sufficiently safe. The home is very clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The Inspector toured three of the four units of the home. He noted that the HandyPerson had decorated many bedrooms and some communal areas. Some new carpets and new wardrobes had been purchased. Lighting in one bathroom had been improved, and part of the home is now lighter as a tree outside has been cut back. One part of the building showed evidence of subsidence but the Administrator reported that a structural surveyor’s report indicated there was no danger as tree roots may be to blame. The Inspector noted that the lounge in the Fernside Unit was in need of decoration. The Administrator reported that this was already planned for. Requirement 1. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The home was observed to be clean and hygienic throughout, and no unpleasant smells were detected. The home however was seen to be not totally safe for service users, as dishwasher chemicals were found in a food cupboard, and a member of staff’s handbag was left in a communal area. Immediate requirements were not made as both matters were corrected whilst the Inspector was present. See Requirements 2 and 3 however. As these findings are both Health and Safety matters, a further requirement is made under that heading. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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, 33, 34 and 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are supported and their needs met by permanent staff who are sufficiently competent and well qualified. The staff team includes too high a number of temporary agency staff members at the present time. Service users are well protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. EVIDENCE: The Administrator reported that the home has currently 7 vacant posts, which are for 6 support workers, and 1 senior. Recruitment is currently underway but at the present time a high reliance is having to be placed on agency staff, although some of these are on long-term placements at Charles Curran House. Four relatives have provided the CSCI with questionnaire feedback about the staff at Charles Curran House, as follows: “Staff always friendly and helpful.” “Staff are of the highest standard.” “Too many agency staff; too many staff changes.” Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 “It would be preferable to have more permanent staff rather than agency staff to keep continuity for residents.” Requirement 4 is therefore that every effort must be made to fill as many of the vacant posts with permanent members of staff of the right calibre, as possible. No permanent staff member has left since before the previous CSCI inspection. The Registered Manager reported in the pre-inspection questionnaire that 70 of the permanent support staff have NVQ level 2 or above in care. The Administrator is working towards an NVQ 3 in business and administration. The Inspector noted that the home maintains good training records. As no new permanent employee had been taken on since before the previous CSCI inspection, the Inspector did not examine any recruitment records, but these were found to be wholly in order when last examined. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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): 37, 39 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users and relatives views are fully taken into account when reviewing the development of the home. More attention must be paid to the health, safety and welfare of service users. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager is undertaking her Registered Managers Award. All the requirements and recommendations from the previous inspection report have been met which is indicative of good management. Quality Assurance questionnaires are sent out by the care home to family members annually, internal auditing of care plans takes place, and Regulation 26 visits are undertaken by an external manager. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 In terms of health and safety, the Inspector noted that moving and handling risk assessments had been improved, a certificate of gas safety was seen, and weekly checks of the building are undertaken. Nevertheless the Inspector spotted two lapses of health and safety in the Fernside unit kitchen and communal area. The Inspector was led to believe that a temporary member of staff, who did not know the procedures, was responsible. The Registered Manager must investigate, provide additional training as appropriate, and make sure that adequate systems are in place for spotting potential risks to service users’ safety. Requirement 5. Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 2 25 x 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 x 32 3 33 2 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 3 x 3 x 3 x x 2 x Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 no Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? 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 3 4 Standard YA24 YA24 YA24 YA33 Regulation 23(2)(d) 13(4)© 13(4)© 18(1)(b) Requirement Fernside Lounge must be redecorated Cleaning agents must not be stored together with food. The personal property of staff members must be stored securely. Every effort must be made to reduce the number of temporary agency staff employed at the home All staff must be trained in health and safety matters. Timescale for action 01/05/07 15/02/07 15/02/07 01/05/07 5. YA42 13(6) 01/03/07 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 Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection West London Local Office 11th Floor, West Wing 26-28 Hammersmith Grove London W6 7SE 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 Charles Curran House DS0000032472.V328217.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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