Inspection on 04/01/07 for Elvy Court Nursing Home

This inspection was carried out on 4th January 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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

Elvy Court Nursing Home 29/04/09

Elvy Court Nursing Home 20/12/05

Elvy Court Nursing Home 01/08/05

Elvy Court Nursing Home 23/02/05

Elvy Court Nursing Home 21/06/04

Elvy Court Nursing Home 09/02/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Elvy Court Nursing Home 204 London Road Sittingbourne Kent ME10 1QA Lead Inspector Marion Weller Key unannounced Inspection 4th January 2007 10:00 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 Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.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. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Elvy Court Nursing Home Address 204 London Road Sittingbourne Kent ME10 1QA 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) 01795 437449 01795 437450 www.schealthcare.co.uk Southern Cross Healthcare Services Limited Mr Keith Bartlett Care Home 57 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (32), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (25) of places Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. Patients detained under the Sections of the Mental Health Act may not be admitted to the home Within the home’s registration they may accommodate 8 service users with physical disabilities 20th December 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Elvy Court Nursing Home is a modern purpose built property situated within a residential area on the main A2 road and within ¾ of a mile of Sittingbourne town centre and railway station. The home is located on a main bus route and a bus stop is located nearby. Elvy Court is a 57-bedded unit providing nursing care to older people and is also registered to provide services for up to 32 people who have Dementia and have been assessed as having additional nursing care needs. The home may also accommodate 8 service users with physical disabilities. Accommodation for residents is arranged over two floors. Access to the first floor is by a passenger lift. Each residential unit has separate lounge and dining room space. There is a call bell in each room. Specialist bathing facilities and additional specialist equipment, for example hoists, are provided. There is a garden for use by service users and visitor parking is available to the front of the building. The home employs registered nurses and care staff working a roster, which provides 24-hour cover. Ancillary staff for catering, maintenance and domestic duties are also employed. The home has a full time activities coordinator. A hairdresser visits the home on a regular basis. Current fees range from £503 to £761 according to assessed personal need. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This key unannounced inspection was conducted by Marion Weller, Regulatory Inspector between 10:00 am and 2:45 pm. During that time the inspector spoke with some residents, relatives, the manager and some of the staff on duty. Some judgements about the quality of life within the home were taken from observations and conversation. Some records and documents were looked at. In addition a tour of the building was undertaken. 12 survey responses regarding the service provided at the nursing home were received prior to the inspection. Responses from residents, relatives and health professionals indicated they were very satisfied with the standard of care the home provided. Statements on comment cards included: “Staff are friendly and welcoming and always have full knowledge of service users health and care needs.” “ In my opinion this is a first class home.” “Very happy with this home.” “ I feel my relative is very lucky to be in Elvy Court – everyone is friendly and helpful.” The manager and staff gave their full co-operation throughout the inspectors visit. What the service does well: There was an abundance of very positive feedback from residents and their relatives as to the high quality of service this home provides. Information about the home is easily accessible. The home is effective in helping new residents settle in. Residents’ health needs are planned comprehensively and are well met. Medication is given correctly and regularly reviewed. The home enjoys good relationships with other health care professionals. There are effective procedures to protect residents from abuse. Staff are kind and caring and the manager is approachable, experienced and understanding. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Residents enjoy a wholesome and varied menu of meals. Residents’ relatives and friends are always made welcome when they visit. The home has shown considerable investment and a high level of commitment to providing staff with sufficient skills and knowledge to ensure that residents are well cared for. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 123456 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People using this service have all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether the service is right for them. The personalised pre admission assessment means that residents’ diverse needs are identified and planned before they move into the home and they are given a contract that clearly tells them about the service they will receive. EVIDENCE: The home has a Statement of Purpose/Service User Guide. The home’s Information documents are reviewed annually and regularly revised to ensure Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 that information is current and kept up to date. Document content met all the requirements of regulation. The home has a clear process for undertaking pre admission assessments. The manager or other qualified member of staff visits the prospective resident to make a decision about whether the home can meet the person’s needs. Information is also obtained from other parties, including relevant health care professionals and any care management assessments undertaken. Pre admission assessments form the basis for all residents care plans in the home. Additional assessments are made when the person is admitted to ensure their needs will be fully met. Residents or their representatives are able to visit the home before moving in and some survey respondents said staff had been very helpful in assisting relatives to settle in. Each residents or their representative was provided with a contract between the home and themselves. Contracts are comprehensive with fees to be charged in evidence. The home’s contracts clearly state the responsibilities of the home and the rights of the resident. Intermediate care is not offered at Elvy Court Nursing Home Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7 8 9 10 11 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ health and social care needs are clearly set out in plans of care ensuring that these needs will be met. Residents are protected by the home’s policies and procedures regarding medication. All residents benefit from being consulted regarding their wishes concerning end of life care and arrangements after death. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are consistently put into practice in the home. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 EVIDENCE: Each resident has a care plan. Three were inspected in detail and were found to be comprehensive, detailed and contained consistent information based on sound assessment. Care plans were signed by the resident or their representative to show their involvement with the formulation of the plan and their agreement to it. The format the home uses includes residents’ social care needs and their choices and preferences in daily life. Care plans were seen to have been regularly reviewed and changes made where necessary to the main plan. Daily records were being maintained appropriately and reflected care plan demands. Care plans also included residents’ wishes for end of life care and arrangements to be made after death. Risk assessments were in place for a variety of aspects of care. Attention was paid to the prevention of falls, the management of pain, maintaining skin integrity and the moving and handling needs of residents, amongst others. Discussions with the manager and nursing staff clearly indicated that residents’ health needs are closely monitored and responded to. Some individual’s health care needs are quite complex; care plans evidenced timely input from other health care professionals involved with their care. Residents are weighed regularly and this is recorded as part of their ongoing assessment and review procedure. The manager stated that staff had received training from the PCT in care planning recently and PCT staff regularly audited care plans maintained in the home for comprehensiveness and consistency. The manager welcomed their involvement and honest and constructive feedback. The manager also randomly audits care plan content on a regular basis using a checklist that was shown to the inspector. A survey respondent, who was a health care professional had stated prior to the inspection. “The staff always have a full knowledge of residents health and care needs and the home’s care plans are exemplary” The inspector would support the statement made. A monitored dosage system for dispensing medication is used. Trained nurses administer medication in the home. Temperatures were regularly taken of medication storage areas, including cold storage and records were maintained. The home has a designated lockable medication fridge. Some medication administration sheets were inspected. No gaps in recording administration to residents were found. The home had a current medication policy and nurses have access to additional guidance documents. Residents prescribed medication is reviewed by their GP regularly or upon request. The home has a contract for the disposal of all waste medicine. Medication in the home was handled competently and professionally. A commendable outcome to the medication standard was therefore evidenced. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Care plans contained information about how a resident might prefer to be addressed. Staff were observed to be respectful when speaking to residents and good interaction was seen between staff, residents and their visitors. Personal care is given in a way that clients are known to prefer. Residents’ privileged and sensitive personal information is kept securely and handled appropriately. Residents and visitors spoken with on the day of the visit and those that sent in survey returns prior to the inspection were very happy with the care provided and were content. Some residents spoke of themselves or their families being involved in care planning and the assessments undertaken by the home to keep them safe. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12 13 14 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Social activities and opportunities for mental stimulation are well managed and as much as possible provide daily variation and interest for residents. Residents are enabled to maintain contact with friends and family who are made welcome in the home. Wherever possible residents are given opportunities to make choices, therefore allowing for an important level of control over their lives. The meals in this home offer both choice and variety. The home is innovative in the way it supports residents to be involved in menu planning and to make informed choices about the food they are offered. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 EVIDENCE: Information about residents past work, interests and hobbies are noted on care plans where possible. Daily living routines and preferences are also recorded if they are known. Routines in the home are flexible and varied to suit residents’ wishes where it is practicable. The home operates a key worker system, which enabled closer resident/staff relationships where likes, dislikes and needs were shared. Activities and opportunities for stimulation within the home are considered an important part of residents’ lives. To this end they offer a full activities programme and employ a full time dedicated activities organiser. Dedicated slots for the activities organiser to spend time with individual residents on a one to one basis are built into the programme. There was a plentiful supply of leisure/recreational amenities available to residents such as TV’s, videos, books, jigsaws, board games, music cassettes, radios etc. Some residents’ chose not join in formal actives or are to frail to consider it, others prefer to keep to their rooms and this decision is respected by the home. The activities programme however provided meaningful and stimulating opportunities for those wishing to take part. On the day of the site visit the home was busy preparing for a residents New Year party. The home has its own transport. Visits out to places of interest are arranged for residents as well as shopping trips. Family and friends felt welcome and knew they could visit the home at any reasonable time. There is a small separate lounge residents may use for receiving visitors. Staff said they always try to make time to talk with visitors and share information where it is appropriate. One visitor spoken with said, “I am always made welcome, I visit 3 times a week, they bring me tea, find me a chair and worry about me just as much as they do about the residents” There are regular residents meetings with minutes kept. The manager emphasised how important maintaining good communication was. Said it was, “a 24/7 necessity in a home to ensure everyone is listened to and issues of concern acted upon immediately.” The food provided at lunch on the day of the site visit looked and smelt good. The home’s catering staff are experienced in cooking for older people and considered to be important members of the care team. Residents were aware of their right to make menu choices and how to organise that with staff. A visitor said, “my relative is given a choice of what they are having next day and a menu is always on display in the entrance hall”. There had been a recent review of the menus offered in the home. Menu options are now displayed in writing and pictorially. This is particularly useful to the EMI Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 residents and is an innovative approach to ensuring all residents are well informed and treated equally whatever limitations their illness may impose on them. Two Residents were included in the working group who reviewed the home’s menus. The manager felt their involvement had been particularly useful. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are protected from potential abuse and have access to a clear complaints procedure which they or their representatives understand and know how to use. They further benefit from having their views and concerns listened to and acted upon without delay. EVIDENCE: The home had received no formal complaints since the last inspection a year ago. One issue of concern had been raised recently. This was investigated by the manager, dealt with appropriately within the published timescale and the Commission had been kept informed of progress. The allegation of concern raised was found to be unsubstantiated. The manager said as a team they are very effective in resolving any dissatisfaction at an early stage and any concern, however minor, is dealt with quickly and to the complainant’s satisfaction wherever possible. Residents, survey respondents and visitors spoken with were aware of how to complain and who to. All said they felt safe and secure in the home. The formal complaints procedure is included in the home’s information documents and provides appropriate timescales for resolution. The published Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 procedure includes The Commissions contact details. Staff spoken with were aware of how important it is to listen and pass concerns on at an early stage and make residents feel safe and secure. Staff training records for attendance at adult protection courses were in evidence. The requirement issued at the last inspection is comprehensively resolved. The manager stated that Adult Protection training had been provided by staff from the local PCT. The home’s induction procedures for new staff provide a comprehensive overview of adult protection issues and information on ‘whistle blowing’. There are procedures in place for responding to suspicion or evidence of abuse and neglect to ensure the safety of residents. The manager evidenced a sound knowledge of adult protection procedures. An explanation of Adult Protection and a process to follow is also given to residents and their relatives. This is on view on notice boards and in the home’s reception area. It is easy to follow, informative and would be a practical guide if individuals suspected abuse, neglect or anything untoward. Staff spoken with were aware of the home’s procedures and who to take issues to in the first instance. The Manager expects staff to report any concerns immediately. The home has a copy of Kent & Medway’s revised adult protection policy document and bases its own safeguarding policy on this. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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 24 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ benefit from living in a safe, well maintained, and clean environment in which good standards of décor and furnishings are maintained. EVIDENCE: The home’s layout and location is suitable for its stated purpose. It has received visits from the fire officer and the environmental health dept and has met all requirements. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 The inspector toured the home. The environment was being well maintained, communal and bedroom areas were nicely decorated and clean. No odour was present anywhere in the home. The home’s handyman is very effective in ensuring functionality, safety and effectiveness of plant and specialist equipment in the home. Regular maintenance and servicing plans were arranged and adhered to. He is also instrumental in inducting new staff to the home’s fire procedures during their first day of work and gives them a presentation about the safe use of laundry and sluice room equipment. New staff go on to receive more in-depth environmental and safety information from the provider’s facilities manager. This is a very thorough approach by the home and evidences all levels of staff are involved in assuring the quality of the service offered to residents and the safety of staff. Regular decorating and refurbishment takes place. Reception is very welcoming, relaxing and informative. Lots to read should you be so inclined. There is sufficient domestic staff employed. One survey respondents said, “I find the cleaning staff to be very good, polite and friendly and if you want anything done, they will always try to oblige you” The home has an infection control policy, which is closely adhered to. Paper towels and liquid soap in evidence in all toilets and bathrooms/ sluices/ kitchen/residents rooms. The home has a health and safety group who meet regularly to discuss any environmental safety issues. The manager, staff and the handyman monitor the home’s environment closely. Current HSE posters were seen on notice boards warning of the dangers of lifting loads incorrectly. The manager tries to ensure that he uses all the available health and safety resources available to him from the wider community and from the provider’s literature. Radiators are protected in service user areas and all external first floor windows are fitted with limiters. The home’s shaft lift is in very good condition, regularly serviced and maintained. A new replacement floor has been laid recently. Residents and relatives spoken with liked the home and felt that it fully met their needs. Residents’ rooms were personalised to reflect their individual tastes and interests. Bathrooms were well equipped and there were pleasant lounge areas. Mobile hoists for safe transfer of residents were in evidence. Staff were trained in their use. Residents had individual mobility equipment, which was being well maintained. Wheelchairs were regularly maintained and cleaned. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27 28 29 30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from being cared for by a dedicated staff team who are well supported and supervised. The home continues to effectively train and develop its staff to their full potential to ensure residents’ needs are met at all times. Residents are protected from any potential abuse by the home’s robust recruitment procedures. EVIDENCE: Residents and their relatives spoke highly of the staff, saying they were friendly, skilled and always professional in their approach to work. Statements on survey responses included: “ From the administrator through to the cleaner, everyone is very helpful and happy” Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 “ I feel safe here, the staff are kind and caring” Appropriate levels of staff are available to residents. The manager evidenced that he has autonomy to deploy additional staff as required during high levels of activity to secure residents welfare. There are currently no staff vacancies. Vacant duties on staffing rosters are covered with substantive staff taking on additional hours or by the use of the home’s bank staff. No agency staff are used by the home. There is an excellent atmosphere in the home. Staff spoken to say they would be reluctant to work elsewhere. The manager believes in informal and formal supervision for his staff group. He is highly visible and supportive to his staff and this practice is seen to provide dividends. Staff supervision/ appraisal records were in evidence on the staff files inspected. Care staff are encouraged to attain NVQ qualification. The manager provided information that evidenced 55 of care staff are now qualified in the home. All staff spoken with were enthusiastic in regard to developing their skills and were keen to undertake external qualifications beyond the basic requirements whenever resources and funding allowed. The home has well-maintained training records and a staff training matrix which provides a clear overview of staff training completed, staff training planned and when training updates are due. The home has a comprehensive induction programme for new staff. Copies of training completion certificates were seen in staff files. All mandatory training for staff is up to date. Staff files met fully with regulation. CRB & POVA checks were clearly in evidence and the home follows a robust recruitment process, which protects residents from any potential for harm. 13 staff are currently undertaking Dementia Care training and a further 6 are on Nutrition and Health training. Both courses are college based (Mid Kent College) ‘Asset’ courses of 20 weeks duration. The manager is keen to consider other ‘Asset’ courses as part of his ongoing training plans. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 32 33 35 36 37 38 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from an experienced and competent manager who is able to discharge his responsibilities fully and provides an excellent role model. Residents further benefit from a strong staff team that receive regular formal and informal supervision and identification of their training needs. Residents’ financial interests are protected and their welfare promoted through regular maintenance and equipment safety checks. Policies, procedures and systems of work are in place, which support the best interests of residents. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 EVIDENCE: Throughout the inspection the manager was able to evidence that he understood his responsibilities to regulation fully and was able to discharge them appropriately. He was open and transparently honest during the inspection process and was seen to communicate a clear sense of leadership and direction to his staff. Staff indicated that they felt part of an effective and efficient team and this was due to the way the home was managed. The manager is commendably able to lead by example and many of the home’s current good practices come from his sound leadership skills. Residents and relatives survey responses said they felt the manager to be very approachable, understanding and professional. The manager is a trained mental health nurse with many years experience in both the health care arena and management. He is qualified to NVQ Level 4 in management and care. He has managed Elvy Court for the last two years. His personal investment and commitment to turning this home around has been commendable. The home evidenced that it offers a good quality service that accurately reflects the home’s stated purpose, aims and objectives. One survey respondent stated, “In the last two years since Keith Bartlett has taken over as manager at Elvy Court, it has simply turned around, in my opinion it is a first class home.” The home’s record keeping is effective and efficient with reviews of policies, procedures, information documents and systems of work being undertaken annually or more regularly if situations demand it to ensure they always reflect current legislation and up to date good practice guidelines. Records were seen to be kept in a manner that preserved confidentiality and safeguarded residents’ rights and best interests. The manager is instrumental in quality assuring the service and understands the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and applies the concept to his practice with residents and staff. He evidenced a high level of commitment to ensuring the health, welfare and safety of residents, visitors and staff. The home encourages residents’ families and representatives to manage their finances. Neither residents nor their families expressed any concerns about the home’s management of monies or valuables. Staff records complied with regulations. The manager ensures formal staff supervision and appraisal is carried out at least six times a year and also carries out informal supervision of staff while they are working. Staff and residents spoke highly of the manager and all reinforced that he had brought major change for the better to the unit and much needed stability. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Records evidenced that staff had regular fire training and participated in fire drills at the required frequency. Fire exits were kept clear of obstructions and fire fighting equipment was regularly serviced and maintained. The manager evidenced within comprehensive pre inspection data supplied to the Commission and on the day of the site visit, that all records of maintenance and safety checks were up to date in the home. Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 3 3 3 3 3 X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 9 4 10 4 11 4 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 4 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 17 18 4 X X X X 3 X 3 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 4 4 4 X 3 3 3 3 3 X 3 Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 Home’s 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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 Elvy Court Nursing Home DS0000026162.V324522.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 - 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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