Inspection on 20/03/06 for Fell House

This inspection was carried out on 20th March 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Fell House 04/01/10

Fell House 21/11/08

Fell House 24/11/06

Fell House 06/12/05

Fell House 06/10/04

Fell House 27/04/04

Similar services:

The Highlands

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Blenheim House

1 Lanark Close

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Ann Charlton Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Fell House Albion Terrace Springwell Village Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE9 7RJ Lead Inspector Mr Tom Moody Unannounced Inspection 20th March 2006 07:45 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 Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Fell House Address Albion Terrace Springwell Village Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE9 7RJ 0191 417 4520 0191 417 7977 fellhouse@highfield-care.com 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) Southern Cross Home Properties Limited Mrs Gillian Batey Care Home 52 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (52), Physical disability (41), Physical disability of places over 65 years of age (41) Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 6th December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: This purpose built home is in a suburban setting away from the main road. It is in a quiet location with no through traffic. There are shops and other amenities nearby. The home has two floors and is of traditional brick and tile construction. Fell house provides care, including nursing care, to older people over the age of 65 years; some of whom may have physical disability. There is level entry to the ground floor and the upper floor has passenger lift access. There are lounge/dining areas on each floor and a South-facing conservatory. The corridors are wide and the communal areas and bathrooms are of generous proportions. The grounds are well kept, and although the majority of this space is devoted to car parking, service users enjoy the use of a small south facing terrace in fine weather. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over one day on 06 March 2006. One inspector carried out the inspection. The manager was not present at the time of inspection although the deputy was on duty. The views of people living at the home were gathered during the inspection, by talking to them, their visitors and by reading documents. Positive feedback was received from all of those whom the inspector spoke to. The deputy manager was interviewed and documents were examined, including care plans. A tour of the home took place. A breakfast was being served during much of the morning. This meal was observed but the inspector did not sample the food at this inspection What the service does well: The home is well decorated and well maintained. Service users have access to appropriate health care. Service users feel cared for by friendly staff and a good manager. The home has good contacts with the community and encourages visiting. The home has a good level of equipment and is well laid out with generously proportioned communal space. The home is well staffed with appropriately trained personnel. The home provides an imaginative range of activities and events within its social programme. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2,3,4,5 There is a suitable statement of purpose available that ensures service users receive necessary information. Service users needs are assessed by the home and professionals, from Local Authorities, or Primary Care Trusts. This ensures that they are placed in a home that can meet their needs. Service users and their relatives can visit the home in advance of their stay to ensure it meets their needs. EVIDENCE: The home’s deputy manager told the inspector that the manager carries out her own assessment of the needs of service users before they are admitted. The plan of care reflects service users needs. An assessment of need is also carried out by the placing authorities. This was confirmed by care plan documentation. Service users relatives confirmed they had an opportunity to visit the home before placing their relatives. One visitor said their relative had been in other homes but this was the best they had been able to find. Care plans record that it is possible for service users, who are physically able, to make trial visits. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 A statement of purpose is on display in the hallway and is given to all prospective service users. It contains clear and accessible information about the home. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9, 10 Service users care plans and the care practice seen indicates service user’s healthcare needs are met. This includes medication and care relating to the end stages of life. EVIDENCE: The home has most of the equipment and facilities it needs, and a loop system has been installed for service users with a hearing problem. The staff are aware of service users needs and the manager ensures they have access to primary care services. Past experience indicates the manager will not admit service users unless they are able to receive this. Service users confirm they are able to see their GP and some told the inspector of hospital appointments or equipment that was being arranged for them. One service user was leaving the home to attend an out patient appointment at the time of this visit. The homes medication storage and administration systems are largely good although there is limited storage for controlled drugs. Although a new cabinet has been procured it does not fit the current outer cupboard. A replacement is being found. A drug round was seen and the recording of drug administration is good. Stock balances of controlled drugs are kept accurately. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Discussions with staff indicate they are sensitive to issues surround care at the end of a service users life. This is confirmed by observations and recordings made in service users care plans. The care practice observed in relation to this was also sensitive and appropriate. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13. 14, 15 Residents are offered the opportunity of participating in a wide range of leisure and social activities, within and outside of the home, enabling them to lead active and fulfilled lives. Service users make choices and are generally encouraged to take a degree of control over their surroundings. Service users are offered and receive a varied, wholesome, nutritious and wellpresented meal. This contributes to their health and wellbeing and offers opportunities to make choices. EVIDENCE: The deputy manager states that the home now has an activity organiser but all of the staff take responsibility for helping service users with social and recreational activities. An informal quiz was taking place during the morning and this gave service users a chance to demonstrate some of their experience and knowledge. Service users confirm these take place and several spoke enthusiastically about recent entertainments such as Al Jolson impersonators, singers, and an Irish dance troupe that had entertained them on St Patrick’s Day. There were a number of photographs of event that had taken place in the home during the summer including a medieval “joust” and visit from a professional storyteller. Service users also spoke of being able to go out of the home in good weather Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 A number of visitors were present during the time of inspection and they confirmed that the home encouraged visiting. Relatives expressed satisfaction with the care the home provides. One visitor said, “My relative has been in 4 homes and this is the best by far.” One service user’s relatives, who live abroad, are able to have email messages conveyed to the service user in question. The breakfast meal was varied, well presented and was served at a time that fitted in with service user’s expectations. Service users were supported appropriately by staff if they needed help to eat. The comments that were received from service users, confirmed the good quality of the food in the home. One service user remarked that, “the food is very good and there is a good variety.” There is only one main meal choice available on the menu but kitchen staff and care staff spoke of service users being able to have alternatives. The kitchen was well stocked and tidy. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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 inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16,18 Service users and relatives are able to raise issues with staff and the manager and they are sure that these will be acted upon. Although the staff are aware of issues surrounding abuse the homes policy does not support adequate action if such a situation arose, and could not guarantee proper protection. EVIDENCE: Relatives and service user confirm that they would be happy to raise issues with staff or the manager if they had concerns. It is evident that the manager operates an “open door” policy and relatives repeatedly came to the office to talk with the person in charge. Complaints are well recorded and staff have a good awareness of issues surrounding complaints and representations. The home manager is aware of local adult protection issues and has participated in these. Unfortunately, as pointed out in the last inspection report, the company policy is out of date and does not reflect the current best practice in adult protection or the guidance given in No Secrets. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 20, 21,22,23,24,25,26. The environment is well maintained to ensure service user’s safety. Communal facilities are easily accessible inside and outside of the home. Service users have most of the equipment they need to meet their needs. Bedrooms are safe, comfortable, well-furnished and meet service users needs. The home is clean hygienic and pleasant to be in. EVIDENCE: The home was warm, well ventilated and well decorated. Heating is provided from a safe, low surface-temperature source. No extremes of temperatures were experienced during the inspection. The home has good levels of natural and artificial light, although in some areas light was not adequate because corridor lights had been turned off. Staff should be aware of the need to keep light at appropriate levels. The home has ramped access and appropriate lifts. Bedrooms are well furnished and contain personal items belonging to the occupants. The soft furnishings match the décor and the overall effect is homely. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 There is ample space in communal areas and service users have a variety of lounge, dining and sitting space to choose from. There are sufficient bathrooms and washing facilities and they provide generous space. Unfortunately there is no hair dressing facility and service users have to have their hair dried in corridors. The home has a small patio area at the front of the conservatory, which was being used on the day of inspection. Service users confirm that they used this regularly in good weather. The home is kept clean and there were no unpleasant odours in the home at any time. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 30 The home has an appropriate number of staff, with the right skills, to meet service users needs Staff receive appropriate training and they are able to carry out their work in an appropriate manner. EVIDENCE: The number of staff in the home of the day of the inspection was appropriate and the care needs of service users were being met. The call system was responded to promptly by staff in almost all cases. Staff who were spoken to, confirmed they received good training and support from the company. The home deals appropriately with complaints and protection issues. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 32, 33, 37, 38 The home is run by an experienced and competent manager who’s leadership and approach benefits service users and records and policies support this in almost all cases. The health and welfare of service users is protected by efficient management. EVIDENCE: The manager is an experienced registered nurse who has managed this care home for some time. The deputy confirms the home is supported by the senior management team. The home is regularly audited by the company as part of the quality assurance system. Records and care plans indicate the service users needs are taken into consideration, and that service users are consulted in several aspects of the home’s management. Staff have a good awareness of health and safety issues and the physical environment is well maintained. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 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 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 x 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 X X x 3 3 Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard OP9 Regulation 13 Timescale for action There must be sufficient space to 28/04/06 store the amount of controlled drugs stocked in the home. The policies and procedures on adult abuse must be updated to reflect current guidance and link in with the local authority’s procedures. 28/04/06 Requirement 2. OP18 13 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard OP22 Good Practice Recommendations Suitable provision should be made for hairdressing or other therapeutic techniques. Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection South of Tyne Area Office Baltic House Port of Tyne Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PT National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Fell House DS0000039416.V267871.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 - 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. 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