Inspection on 04/06/07 for Charlotte Straker House

This inspection was carried out on 4th June 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 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

Charlotte Straker House 04/01/06

Charlotte Straker House 09/08/05

Charlotte Straker House 06/12/04

Charlotte Straker House 02/06/04

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 Charlotte Straker House Cookson Close Corbridge Northumberland NE45 5HB Lead Inspector Elaine Charlton Unannounced Inspection 4th June 2007 12:50 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 Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.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. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Charlotte Straker House Address Cookson Close Corbridge Northumberland NE45 5HB 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) 01434-633999 01434 632316 charlotte.straker@btinternet.com The Charlotte Straker Project Vacant Care Home 28 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (28) of places Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Bedrooms 14A, 14B, 18A, 18B, 19 & 20 are not to be used for nursing care due to difficulties with restricted access or stairs. 4th January 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Charlotte Straker House is close to the centre of Corbridge village. Residents can easily get to shops, church and other local facilities. The home provides both nursing and residential care for 28 older people. Three nursing beds are GP funded. Two of these beds are used to provide palliative care. Most rooms have en-suite facilities. The communal areas are generous in size and very pleasant. Residents can also use communal assisted bathrooms and toilets. Residents can use lifts to reach all bedroom areas. Bedrooms are at ground, first and mezzanine levels. The manager, deputy manager, qualified nurses, a team of care workers, dedicated kitchen, domestic and laundry staff support residents. The home has a large involvement in the local community and there is a strong emphasis on social care and recreational therapy. Occupancy levels are always high and the home has a good reputation within the community. Fees are between £449.35 and £574.75. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. An unannounced visit was made on the 4 June 2007, with a follow up visit on the 7 June. The manager was present on day two of the inspection. Before the visit we looked at: Information we have received since the last visit on 4 January 2006; How the service dealt with any complaints and concerns since the last visit; Any changes to how the home is run; The provider’s view of how well they care for people; The views of people who use the service, their relatives, staff and other professionals who visit the service. During the visit we: Talked with a large number of residents, staff and visitors; Looked at information about the people who use the service and how well their needs are met; Looked at other records which must be kept; Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills and training to meet the needs of the people they care for; Looked around the building/parts of the building to make sure it was clean, safe and comfortable; Checked what improvements had been made since the last visit; Left “Have your say” questionnaires for service users to complete. We told the manager what we found. What the service does well: On day one of the inspection the deputy manager, senior nurse and staff on duty, played a vital part in the inspection. They were knowledge, helpful and able to access information easily. Residents are given the care and support they need, when they need it. Staff listen to what residents say and act upon it. The independence, privacy and dignity of residents is promoted. Help and encourage residents to maintain relationships with relatives and friends. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The Project Committee work hard to ensure that the home is run in a way that promotes independence, is homely and well maintained. Residents said: “I knew about the home from the beginning – I have lived in Corbridge since 1966.” “My GP was one of the doctors who started the home. He told my husband and myself what was planned. When it actually opened about 13 years ago, we had good reports of the place.” “This home came highly recommended.” “The home has an excellent reputation.” “I marvel at their incredible patience with us, who by the time we get here are very set in our ways. Nothing is too much trouble and though all the staff are helpful some go the extra mile. The staff have a nice way of saying you’re welcome when you thank them.” “The nurse on duty will arrange for you to be taken to hospital or dentist appointment and a carer goes with you.” “The standard of care in this home is first class.” “No activities to join in. But it is not their fault. It’s my dislike of communal activities and I appreciate the fact that I am under no pressure to take part.” “I have greatly appreciated the fact that one is not forced to do what one does not wish to do. There are activities such as games or talks or painting lessons and other times visits to the outside world.” “The soups are very good and the staff make sure I get yoghurt because I do not like sweet things for dessert.” “The food is good and nicely served. Plenty of fruit and vegetables. One can have fresh fruit instead of the tempting puddings.” “Can have a snack or drink when every you want it day or night.” “This place is home from home to me. I would recommend the place to everyone.” “I am very happy with my care and think of the Charlotte Straker House as my home.” “Everything is done to make sure patients are happy, clean and comfortable, first class care.” “This home always smells clean and smells of home cooking.” “Rubbish is cleared from the rooms several times in the day. Cleaners come round every day except Saturday and Sunday.” “The flowers inside and outside are always lovely.” What has improved since the last inspection? A new manager has been recruited and has started work in the home. The home has a new logo, stationery and website, giving people access to information. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Areas of the home have been redecorated. 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. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3 and 6. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People are given good information to help them decide about moving into the home. Their needs and wishes are assessed before they are given the chance to move in. EVIDENCE: Twenty-eight “Have your say about” questionnaires were given to residents. Fifteen were sent back. Thirteen people said they received enough information before they moved into the home. The manager visits people who wish to move into the home to carry out an assessment even if one has been received from a care manager or health care professional. Assessment information seen was of a good standard. But the manager has identified the need to have a more structured admission procedure and assessment tool. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The home does not admit residents for intermediate care. Residents said: “I knew about the home from the beginning – I have lived in Corbridge since 1966.” “My GP was one of the doctors who started the home. He told my husband and myself what was planned. When it actually opened about 13 years ago, we had good reports of the place.” “This home came highly recommended.” “Information received was out of date and does not reflect what actually happens.” “The home has an excellent reputation.” Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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 and 10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home are asked how they wish their personal care to be provided, and by whom. They are supported and helped to be independent with medication and can see health care professionals as their health needs dictate. EVIDENCE: Fifteen residents sent back questionnaires. Ten said they always received the support they needed, four said they usually did and one said they sometimes did. Fourteen residents said staff listened to them and acted on what they said. Eight said staff were always available when they needed them, seven said they usually were. The Residents’ Charter promotes the rights, dignity, quality of life and individuality of people who live in the home. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 The assessments and files of three residents were seen. The records included details of resident’s medical history, health care and social needs. One contained a detailed personal history from a care manager. Pressure area, moving/handling and nutritional risk assessments were in place. These were supported by advice about equipment and fortifying meals. The quality of risk assessments was limited and evaluations need to be more out-come based. The home provides nursing and residential care. Three beds are GP funded. Relationships between healthcare professionals and staff within the home are good. Staff have recently completed training in palliative care. The home is well equipped. Specialist beds, mattresses, hoists and assisted baths are available. Records showed that residents had seen chiropodists, dentists and opticians. Appointments for these services can be made in the village or at the home. One resident has an advanced directive (living will) in place. This had last been reviewed late in 2006. Residents are helped to look after their own medication if they wish. Medication is securely held within the home. A random check of medication and medication administration records was carried out. With the exception of two recording issues everything was in order. The manager agreed to deal with the recording issue immediately. Separate storage and recording systems are in place for controlled drugs. Systems are in place for the disposing of unused medication, sharps and clinical waste. Two separate systems for weighing residents are available. Records show that as well as recording a resident’s weight, staff indicate which scales have been used. This is good practice. Policies, procedures, information sources and nursing charts are all available for staff on the nursing station outside the treatment room. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Residents can have their own telephone in their bedroom if they wish. All bedrooms have telephone points and can be connected as and when a resident requests. One resident said they had been ordering spare parts for their scooter by telephone. Residents were seen spending time with relatives in private, going out with friends and spending time in their own bedrooms. Other residents were spoken to in one of the communal lounges. As well as spending time in the home residents visit friends in the village, use local shops and attend the local church. Residents said: “I marvel at their incredible patience with us, who by the time we get here are very set in our ways. Nothing is too much trouble and though all the staff are helpful some go the extra mile. The staff have a nice way of saying you’re welcome when you thank them.” “Sometimes the carers are occupied with another resident when one rings, so they are a short while in coming in to answer to a bell. The nurse on duty will arrange for you to be taken to hospital or dentist appointment and a carer goes with you.” “The standard of care in this home is first class.” “This place is home from home to me. I would recommend the place to everyone.” “I am very happy with my care and think of the Charlotte Straker House as my home.” “Everything is done to make sure patients are happy, clean and comfortable, first class care.” About the medical care they receive residents said: “My doctor from the clinic comes to visit the place every Monday other doctors come as requested.” “Not good at dispensing regular medication.” “Pain killers not adequate at all times and I have been hassled to improve mobility so I can leave.” Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 and 15. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home are encouraged to be as independent as they wish. They access social opportunities within the home and the wider community. Choice and rights are promoted as well as healthy living. EVIDENCE: Ten residents said there were always or usually activities they could join in. Residents said: “No activities to join in. But it is not their fault. It’s my dislike of communal activities and I appreciate the fact that I am under no pressure to take part.” “I have greatly appreciated the fact that one is not forced to do what one does not wish to do. There are activities such as games or talks or painting lessons and other times visits to the outside world.” The home is at the heart of the village and is well supported by the Charlotte Straker House Project committee. Social and fund raising events are well supported by neighbours, relatives and the wider community. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 A member of the care team organises social activities for the residents. She talked to the inspector about events that had been organised and what people like to do. Film events have been held in the home. The room has been set up like a cinema and residents have had popcorn and ice cream. There had been a recent visit to Bradley Gardens. People also enjoy quizzes, bingo and armchair aerobics. The activities organiser has made large, laminated bingo cards so that they are easy to see and can be wiped clean and re-used. At Hogmanay a piper came to the home to pipe in the haggis and there was a party for Halloween. Each resident got a card and jelly rose or chocolate heart for Valentines Day. Friends of the home use their cars to take residents on outings or a mini bus is hired from ADAPT. Two planned events are the Roll out the Barrel show at Whitley Bay and a visit to Stagshaw House gardens for tea. A DVD player has just been purchased so that residents can view photographs of events and outings that are being stored on disc. In the small dining room on the first floor a large jigsaw was laid out. Residents socialise her after tea. Other residents told the inspector that they enjoyed reading the newspaper, doing crosswords, going out for meals, seeing family. The Summer Fayre had been held on the weekend before the inspection and had been well supported. Staff ask GP’s and/or nurses to attend the home but they also “pop-in”. Residents can see a chiropodist in the local health centre. There are dentists in the village and an optician. Most people go out for these appointments. A hairdresser visits the home every Monday. Another hairdresser visits the home to continue to look after the hair of two ladies she knew before they moved into the home. Residents are able to benefit from complimentary therapies such as massages. People who come in to provide this service have had Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks carried out. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 A lady and her dog visit the home as part of the Pets as Therapy (PAT) project. Thirteen people said they always or usually liked the meals provided. Most residents have their breakfast in their bedroom. They are also given a menu for the rest of the day so that they can choose what they want to eat. There are two choices at lunchtime. At teatime there is always a soup, hot choice, sandwiches and dessert. Residents also have a 24 hour snack menu from which they can order. Choices on this menu include poached/boiled/scrambled eggs, beans/mackerel/sardines/tuna on toast or with bread, soup, pate, and cheese. Jelly, custard, ice cream and yoghurts are always available. Staff have access to the kitchens and food supplies at all times. Food cupboards were well stocked as well as refrigerators and freezers. The lid and handle of freezers located off the ground floor dining room were in need of repair. The cook and kitchen staff are good at fortifying foods, providing diabetic and pureed diets. There is a large dining room on the ground floor and a smaller, more intimate one, on the first floor. Tables were nicely set with linen cloths and napkins, china cups and glasses. The downstairs dining room also has a “cosy” seating area where residents meet before their meals for a drink. Staff were seen supporting a resident with lunch. This was being done in a sensitive and private way. Residents said: “Except that the meat is too often tough but I expect our new manager will deal with that. The soups are very good and the staff make sure I get yoghurt because I do not like sweet things for dessert.” “The food is good and nicely served. Plenty of fruit and vegetables. One can have fresh fruit instead of the tempting puddings.” “Can have a snack or drink when every you want it day or night.” “Despite repeated attempts the home seems unable to meet my dietary requirements. The problem seems to be with the servers, not the cook.” “I would normally prefer to have a larger lunch. I feel the meals are provided for invalids but I am more able bodied and am occasionally hungry afterwards. Meals with a bit more substance would be very welcome.” Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Care Aware leaflets were displayed in the entrance hall giving residents information about advocacy and help-line services. There are monthly multi-faith and Catholic services held in the home. The library service visits regularly. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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 and 18. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The views of people who live in the home are listened to. They are protected from harm through policies, procedures and staff training. EVIDENCE: Eleven residents said they always knew who to speak to if they were unhappy, three said they usually did. Twelve people said they knew how to make a complaint. Residents who wanted were helped to vote in the recent local elections either by post or by going to the Polling Station. The home had received three complaints. None had been received by CSCI. The complaints report book was well noted and reports were attached. Residents who spoke to the inspector said that they knew who to speak to if they had a concern or wished to complain. Residents get a copy of the homes Residents’ Charter. All the staff team, with the exception of five new members, have had training in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA). New staff are booked on to the next available course. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 The manager is going to display the full complaint procedure in communal areas rather than on the back of bedroom doors. Details of the complaints procedure are in the service user guide. . The manager is re-issuing the General Social Care Council (GSCC) code of conduct and asking staff to sign to say they have received it. Staff sign to say they have seen policies, procedures and guidance about the protection and empowerment of vulnerable adults. Policies and procedures are also in place covering gifts to staff and the management of service users money, valuables and financial affairs. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 and 26. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People live in a homely environment that promotes their independence and the chance to spend time privately. Everywhere is clean and tidy and hygiene routines are good. EVIDENCE: The deputy manager showed the inspector around the home. One relative told the inspector they thought the home was “superb”. The home provides residents with a private bedroom most of which have ensuite facilities, communal lounges and dining areas. Bedrooms are large enough for residents to have their personal items, including pieces of furniture, around them. Those seen were furnishing in a very individual way. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The bedrooms where nursing care is provided are located in one area of the home. Extra support can be provided to people who come into the home on a residential basis but may become unwell for a while. Decoration and re-decoration work is on going. The home has a well-equipped, commercial style kitchen. Separate toilet, hand washing and changing facilities are provided for kitchen staff. Lots of clean linen and towels are available in the home. There are two lifts to help residents move between the ground, first and mezzanine floors. The home also has an emergency evacuation chair that is battery operated and “walks” downstairs in the event of a lift being out of order. Residents and/or their relatives can use a small kitchen on the first floor to make a drink or snack if they wish. It is equipped with a toaster, microwave, kettle and refrigerator. Between the manager’s and administrative offices there is a whiteboard that gives residents details of the staff that are on duty each day. The laundry is large and well equipped. It was seen to be well organised, clean and tidy. Routines for washing and returning laundry to residents are well established. Twelve residents who sent back questionnaires said the home was always fresh and clean, three said it usually was. Residents said: “This home always smells clean and smells of home cooking.” “Rubbish is cleared from the rooms several times in the day. Cleaners come round every day except Saturday and Sunday.” “The flowers inside and outside are always lovely.” Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home are protected by recruitment and selection procedures that are properly followed. Staff are supported through training and supervision to provide care to people in a way that meets their individual needs. EVIDENCE: A nurse is on duty at all times over a 24 hour period. In addition, in the mornings there are five carers. In the afternoons this reduces to four carers. Overnight there are three carers on duty as well as a nurse. Domestic and laundry staff are on duty each day. At the weekend one person covers both roles. The home has a team of cooks and kitchen assistants. Staff are recruited in line with Projects policies and procedures. Evidence of induction training was seen. Checks are carried out to verify the identity of employees as well as Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) clearance and nursing registrations. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 The new manager is looking at reintroducing a five-day induction course. The home’s application form includes a rehabilitation of offender’s declaration. Interview records are kept and panels usually consist of three people. The manager has a good training budget. Staff are made aware of courses that become available or can approach the manager for funding if they identify a course themselves. Nearly all staff have completed a 12 week, distance learning, course on palliative care. The deputy manager is doing her Registered Managers Award (RMA). Over 50 of care staff have achieved a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 2 or above. Nursing staff are supported to keep their practice-based knowledge and experience up to date. The manager and Committee have reacted to a recent staff issue in a proactive and measured way. Four staff are booked to attend the Fishnet training. This promotes the prevention of falls. Staff sign at induction to say that they must advise their employer of any new cautions or convictions they receive following the commencement of their employment. Staff receive an annual performance development interview, six supervision and six mentorship meetings. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 and 38. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well run which benefits the people who live there. They are consulted about what goes on in the home through surveys and meetings. Both people living in the home and staff are protected through good health and safety procedures, systems and training. EVIDENCE: The home has a new manager who is qualified, capable and properly experienced to carry out the role. She is currently applying for registration with the Commission. The home’s Fund Raiser talked to the inspector about events taking place. There is an annual golf day, hunter event and two dinners. Two GP’s and a nurse are being sponsored to do the Blaydon Races. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 The Committee and Friends of Charlotte Straker Project work hard to raise funds to maintain the standard of the home and the quality of care provided. Members of the Committee carry out inspections of the home. These are recorded in a standard form. Inspections cover requirements and recommendations made by CSCI, residents/relatives and staff comments, the premises, records, training and complaints. A new web site has been designed and will be up and running from the 1 July 2007. As well as this the home has a new emblem. New stationery and polo shirts for staff have been printed. Staff have access to policies and procedures that help them do their job. These include equal opportunities, diversity and anti-oppressive practice, physical intervention and restraint, pressure relief, and racial harassment. The new manager plans to review all policies and procedures to make sure they meet current best practice. The manager is promoting the use of Safer Food for Better Businesses and the NHS Essential Steps to Safe Clean Care. Both sets of guidance also provide audit tools. The manager plans to hold full care, RGN, carer, domestic, kitchen and night staff meetings. The first round of these meetings has just been completed. Workplace Health Connect have just carried out a health and safety audit from which they have produced an action plan. Further visits to the home are planned. The manager is working on revising the Stress at Work policy. A sickness absence tool has been introduced and back to work interviews. There are three fire wardens who work on night rotas and two on days. A programme of annual fire lectures has been set up. Contracts are in place for checks on equipment, lifts, central heating and hoists. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 2 9 3 10 4 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 4 X X X X X X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 2 X 3 X 3 X X 4 Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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. 1. Standard OP31 Regulation 8 Requirement The newly appointed manager must apply for registration with the Commission. Timescale for action 30/08/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. Refer to Standard OP3 OP7 OP8 OP24 Good Practice Recommendations The revision of the admission procedure and assessment tool should be completed. Evaluations should become more outcome based. The quality of risk assessments should be improved. The freezer lid and handle should be repaired. Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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 Charlotte Straker House DS0000000600.V338008.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 - 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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