Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 18/03/09 for Courtwick Park

Also see our care home review for Courtwick Park for more information

This inspection was carried out on 18th March 2009.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

We looked at pre admission assessment documentation and process as a safeguarding alert was made regarding the readmission of a person who uses the service from hospital. We found that a comprehensive assessment had been carried out. Documentation is in place as is an admission procedure to follow. Care plans and support plans are individualised to meet all needs. There is an activities centre adjacent to the home which provides a variety of activities for the people who use the service. It has a gymnasium, a sensory room, a computer room, an art room and a kitchen. People are given choice in what they want to do. People who use the service are supported to participate in community events and to visit places of interest in the community. We looked at safeguarding as there have been some alerts of late. We found that there are safeguarding policies and procedures in place in line with West Sussex County Council guidelines. The home demonstrates an openness in reporting allegations and are proactive in dealing with investigations and following through actions. As a result of one allegation action to ensure staff have an understanding of likely behaviours and the implications in allocating staff correctly. An allegation regarding medication has resulted in training for staff and new systems to be followed when administering to reduce the risk of errors. There is a restraint policy in place. There is a complaints procedure in place. A record is kept of all complaints and advocacy services are being researched at this time. We looked at staff training to ensure a suitably trained staff manage the challenging needs of the people who use the servioce. We found that there is a training programme in place. All mandatory training is completed and records of this were seen. The staff have further training in eating and drinking, medicines, customer care and challenging behaviour. Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty is planned for May. 58% of caters have National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 or over in care. Over 60% of the carers have a learning Disability Qualification. There were seven carers on duty with the manager. There are three waking carers at night. A recent staffing crisis in the home means that there has been heavy use of agency staff. This crisis was well managed by the organisation and the use of agency staff is reducing. Seven new carers have been recruited and two have commenced induction. Two staff files inspected included all of the documentation required. Staff do not commence work until criminal records record bureau clearance is in place and a check has been done on the protection of vulnerable adults list. Identity documentation was in place as were two references. All staff receive induction and work supervised for four weeks. Evidence of this induction was seen. All health and personal care needs are set out in a plan of care. The plans have details of diagnosis, medication, involvment of professionals such as psychiatrist, speech and language therapist, learning disability team and neurologist. Evidence of visits from these professionals is recorded in the plans. A behaviour support advisor attends fortnightly to support staff in behaviour management. There are intensive interactive therapy sessions done with two people who use the service to increase levels of engagement. There is a key worker system in place. Activities enjoyed are recorded such as walking, sensory room, use of gym eguipment. There is a matrix of goal and aspirations plans. One plan clearly indicated the one to one time needed by one person who uses the service. Risk assessments are in place and cover risk to self as well as risk to others. For those with very complex needs staff receive specific training, for example conflict management training. We looked at the management of medicines as this was the subject of a safeguarding referral. We found that policies and procedures are in place for the management of medicines. Medicines are received, stored, administrated, recorded and disposed of correctly according to procedures. New systems to follow, following an error which resulted in the safeguarding alert last November, have been put in place. There are clear signing in and outprocedures for controlled drugs which have to be taken off the premises when people go out are in place. Staff have had medicines training and have a three month medicines assessment to monitor practice. There is sufficient communal space including two lounges, one large and one smallerand a dining room. The premises were inspected and were mostly clean and free from offensive odours. Due to the people living in the home damage frequently occurs to the decor and furnishings such as curtains being pulled down. New easily replaceable curtains are on order to manage this problem. People have their own rooms, which are personalized with their own furniture and possessions and decorated to their choice. There are suitable kitchen and laundry facilities. The general decor was discussed with the responsible individual and he discussed long term plans the organisation has for the home. This may include the building of a new four bedded facility in the grounds allowing the bedrooms of the main house to be then developed to include en suites. Quality assurances are in place and the AQAA states As a home the home has an open door policy to all and welcome suggestions and criticisms which could help improve the service. The opinions of people who use the service, their families and representatives is sought and their opinions are listened to. A record of complaints is kept and these are monitored. Staff meetings are in place and key workers have meetings with people who use the service. The home benefits from organisational support and audit. The organisation protects the health and safety of people who use the service and staff by the provision of a staff mandatory training programme. health and safety policies and procedures are in place and staff have access to these.

What the care home could do better:

There is not a cleaner at present this means carers are taken away from people who use the service for these domestic chores. One carer was vacuuming during the inspection. The complaints procedure is not on display but is available with the visitors book. It does not have timescales in which a complaint will be dealt with and it needs to have the contact details of the Commission added. This was discussed with the responsible individual who will also give consideration to supplying the procedure in more accessible formats. The toilet on the ground floor hallway need to be deep cleaned as it is very stained. The general maintenance and decor to be maintained during the development and possible building programme at the home. There is not currently a registered manager in place. The current manager is to submit her application to the Commission.

Inspecting for better lives Random inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Courtwick Park Courtwick Lane Littlehampton West Sussex BN17 7PD two star good service The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. This is a report of a random inspection of this care home. A random inspection is a short, focussed inspection. Details of how to get other inspection reports for this care home, including the last key inspection report, can be found on the last page of this report. Lead inspector: Sheila Gawley Date: 1 8 0 3 2 0 0 9 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Courtwick Park Courtwick Lane Littlehampton West Sussex BN17 7PD 01903730563 01903730563 courtwick@consensussupprt.com Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Corich Community Care Ltd care home 12 Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 0 learning disability Conditions of registration: 12 The maximum number of service users to be accommodated is 12. The registered person may provide the following category/ies of service only: Care home only - (PC) to service users of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Learning disability (LD). Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Courtwick Park is a large detached property owned by Consensus. They provide a service to twelve people with severe and profound learning disabilities and associated challenging behaviour. Service users are supported to take part in activities within the home and access a range of facilities at the day centre at Strawberry Field also owned by Consensus and on the same site, as well as local community facilities. Current scale of fees start from £1370.55 to £2369.00 per week. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 8 What we found: This site visit as part of the inspection process was carried out on18/03/03. The inspection was facilitated by the responsible individual and the manager. Any documents required on the day were made available. Staff were observed cating for people who use the service with respect. Sufficient numbers of staff were on duty to support people but as there is not domestic support staff have to carry out domestic duties. The home is situated in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of Littlehampton. The home has a mini bus for taking people out and they have regular use of the activity centre located on the same site. What the care home does well: We looked at pre admission assessment documentation and process as a safeguarding alert was made regarding the readmission of a person who uses the service from hospital. We found that a comprehensive assessment had been carried out. Documentation is in place as is an admission procedure to follow. Care plans and support plans are individualised to meet all needs. There is an activities centre adjacent to the home which provides a variety of activities for the people who use the service. It has a gymnasium, a sensory room, a computer room, an art room and a kitchen. People are given choice in what they want to do. People who use the service are supported to participate in community events and to visit places of interest in the community. We looked at safeguarding as there have been some alerts of late. We found that there are safeguarding policies and procedures in place in line with West Sussex County Council guidelines. The home demonstrates an openness in reporting allegations and are proactive in dealing with investigations and following through actions. As a result of one allegation action to ensure staff have an understanding of likely behaviours and the implications in allocating staff correctly. An allegation regarding medication has resulted in training for staff and new systems to be followed when administering to reduce the risk of errors. There is a restraint policy in place. There is a complaints procedure in place. A record is kept of all complaints and advocacy services are being researched at this time. We looked at staff training to ensure a suitably trained staff manage the challenging needs of the people who use the servioce. We found that there is a training programme in place. All mandatory training is completed and records of this were seen. The staff have further training in eating and drinking, medicines, customer care and challenging behaviour. Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty is planned for May. 58 of caters have National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 or over in care. Over 60 of the carers have a learning Disability Qualification. There were seven carers on duty with the manager. There are three waking carers at night. A recent staffing crisis in the home means that there has been heavy use of agency staff. This crisis was well managed by the organisation and the use of agency Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 8 staff is reducing. Seven new carers have been recruited and two have commenced induction. Two staff files inspected included all of the documentation required. Staff do not commence work until criminal records record bureau clearance is in place and a check has been done on the protection of vulnerable adults list. Identity documentation was in place as were two references. All staff receive induction and work supervised for four weeks. Evidence of this induction was seen. All health and personal care needs are set out in a plan of care. The plans have details of diagnosis, medication, involvment of professionals such as psychiatrist, speech and language therapist, learning disability team and neurologist. Evidence of visits from these professionals is recorded in the plans. A behaviour support advisor attends fortnightly to support staff in behaviour management. There are intensive interactive therapy sessions done with two people who use the service to increase levels of engagement. There is a key worker system in place. Activities enjoyed are recorded such as walking, sensory room, use of gym eguipment. There is a matrix of goal and aspirations plans. One plan clearly indicated the one to one time needed by one person who uses the service. Risk assessments are in place and cover risk to self as well as risk to others. For those with very complex needs staff receive specific training, for example conflict management training. We looked at the management of medicines as this was the subject of a safeguarding referral. We found that policies and procedures are in place for the management of medicines. Medicines are received, stored, administrated, recorded and disposed of correctly according to procedures. New systems to follow, following an error which resulted in the safeguarding alert last November, have been put in place. There are clear signing in and outprocedures for controlled drugs which have to be taken off the premises when people go out are in place. Staff have had medicines training and have a three month medicines assessment to monitor practice. There is sufficient communal space including two lounges, one large and one smallerand a dining room. The premises were inspected and were mostly clean and free from offensive odours. Due to the people living in the home damage frequently occurs to the decor and furnishings such as curtains being pulled down. New easily replaceable curtains are on order to manage this problem. People have their own rooms, which are personalized with their own furniture and possessions and decorated to their choice. There are suitable kitchen and laundry facilities. The general decor was discussed with the responsible individual and he discussed long term plans the organisation has for the home. This may include the building of a new four bedded facility in the grounds allowing the bedrooms of the main house to be then developed to include en suites. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 8 Quality assurances are in place and the AQAA states As a home the home has an open door policy to all and welcome suggestions and criticisms which could help improve the service. The opinions of people who use the service, their families and representatives is sought and their opinions are listened to. A record of complaints is kept and these are monitored. Staff meetings are in place and key workers have meetings with people who use the service. The home benefits from organisational support and audit. The organisation protects the health and safety of people who use the service and staff by the provision of a staff mandatory training programme. health and safety policies and procedures are in place and staff have access to these. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 2. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 8 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 8 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 8 Reader Information Document Purpose: Author: Audience: Further copies from: Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Copies of the National Minimum Standards –Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or got from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 or Textphone: or Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 8 - 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. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!