Inspection on 02/08/06 for Flax Cottages 1-2

This inspection was carried out on 2nd August 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 4 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Flax Cottages 1-2 12/07/07

Flax Cottages 1-2 24/10/05

Flax Cottages 1-2 25/04/05

Flax Cottages 1-2 07/12/04

Flax Cottages 1-2 29/04/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Flax Cottages, 1/2 1-2 Flax Cottages Scotland Gate Choppington Northumberland NE62 5SR Lead Inspector Anne Brown Key Unannounced Inspection 2nd August 2006 12:00 Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Flax Cottages, 1/2 Address 1-2 Flax Cottages Scotland Gate Choppington Northumberland NE62 5SR 01670 - 530247 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) flax@flaxcottage.wanadoo.co.uk Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (5) of places Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 24th October 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Flax Cottages is a purpose built home for nine people with severe learning disabilities who have moved into the community from Northgate Hospital. The home is located in Choppington, approximately two miles from the town centre of Bedlington and is near to local shops, pub and community centre. The home comprises two connecting bungalows for nine service users in total. One bungalow contains five bedrooms and the second contains four bedrooms. All service users have their own bedroom. Both bungalows have their own lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom and toilet facilities. There are two large gardens to the rear of the premises that are fully accessible to the service users. The fees are £917.95p per week. Inspection reports and information about the home are readily available. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place over five hours. A tour of the premises was carried out and the care records were inspected along with the fire logbook, accident book, complaints records and minutes of meetings held in the home. Discussions were held with the manager and two members of staff. Staff files were examined at the Trust’s headquarters. Questionnaires were returned by two service users, four relatives and two professionals in contact with the home. What the service does well: The home provides a good standard of care to the people using the service. The staff team enjoy their work and make every effort to ensure the home is pleasant and comfortable. Privacy and dignity is respected and the staff deal with the individual needs of the service users in a competent and caring manner. Positive feedback was received from professionals in touch with the home and relatives. One relative said they were delighted with the care and attention given by the staff and another said their relative received the best possible care. The care plans contain detailed information to ensure individual needs are met. The service users are encouraged and supported to take part in a wide range of activities and a vehicle is provided to transport them to places of their choice. The staff team are offered a wide range of training courses that include mandatory health and safety training and a range of specialist courses to ensure they are competent to deal with the residents’ needs. All service users have a bedroom of their own and these are well furnished and personalised. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users are fully assessed prior to moving into the home to ensure their needs will be met. EVIDENCE: Assessments are carried out prior to moving into the home. These are completed by care managers and staff in the home. Service users are visited in their own home or hospital in order to assess their needs. These are also discussed when the service user visits the home. All service users’ files were checked and each included a full needs assessment. Re-assessments are carried out when necessary. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7, 9 and 10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users are well supported by staff and the necessary levels of support are provided. Service users are consulted on all aspects of life. Service users are encouraged to lead fulfilled lives and they are well supported by staff to take calculated risks. Confidentiality is respected in the home. EVIDENCE: Service users are well supported by staff and the necessary levels of support are recorded in the detailed care plans that show the level of care and support the staff need to provide. Comprehensive guidelines completed by relevant professionals, are in place to deal with the individual needs of the service users. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Comprehensive risk assessments are available on the case files. These assist the residents to lead fulfilling lives and they are well supported by staff to take calculated risks as necessary. A comprehensive confidentiality policy is in place and is part of the staff induction training programme. Each case file contains a statement to remind the staff that the information is confidential. All personal records are held in a secure location in the home. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Staff assist and encourage service users to participate in appropriate activities. Links with the community and opportunities to participate in social and personal development activities are good. Service users are encouraged to keep in touch with family and friends. Service users’ rights are respected in all aspects of their lives. Meals are varied and healthy eating is encouraged. EVIDENCE: Discussions with the staff and examination of records showed that residents attended day centres and enjoyed various activities in the community. These included shopping, meals out and visits to local places of interest. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Two enablers are employed in the home to escort the service users to various activities and venues. Activities include shopping trips, meals out, line dancing, walking, aromatherapy, gardening, knitting, sewing, cookery and crafts. Each service user has an individual programme for activities. Holidays have been arranged for eight service users. One service user has declined the offer of a holiday and prefers to remain at home. A nutritious menu plan is in place and the staff confirmed that alternatives are always available. Any changes to the menu are recorded. There are guidelines in place to ensure residents receive appropriate support at mealtimes. Four questionnaires returned by relatives confirmed they are always made welcome in the home and can see their relatives in private. Staff also support service users to visit their families in the community. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. There are good arrangements in place to ensure that service users’ health and social care needs are met. Detailed care plans ensure the staff team are fully informed. An appropriate system is in place for dealing with medications. EVIDENCE: Health and social care needs are clearly addressed and the staff team are fully informed. All appointments with health care professionals are recorded in the care plan and an ‘OK’ health check is carried out annually. A sample of medication records and the system for storage and handling medications were looked at and found to be appropriate. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users’ views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: A complaints procedure is in place and a complaints book is maintained. The manager and locality manager monitor this on a monthly basis. One service user stated they would speak to the staff if they were unhappy about anything, and they would sort it out. A whistle blowing policy is in place and training in the protection of vulnerable adults is part of the staff induction programme. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place to ensure service users are protected from abuse. All new staff members have been booked on a training course run by Northumberland County Council. Existing staff members have completed this training. Appropriate records, receipts and signatures are retained when dealing with monies held on behalf of the service users. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The building is comfortable, pleasantly decorated and well maintained. There is a good standard of hygiene. EVIDENCE: A tour of the premises was carried out. All areas of the home were homely, comfortable and well furnished. Two new chairs have been provided in both lounges. The carpet in the hallway in bungalow 2 is stained. The décor in the bathroom in this bungalow is showing signs of wear and tear and would benefit from redecoration. Bedrooms are pleasantly decorated and individualised with the service users’ personal belongings. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Gardens are well maintained and garden furniture is provided. There is a leak in the roof of the summerhouse. Both garden sheds would benefit from repainting. The manager ensures that specialist equipment is provided in consultation with an occupational therapist. The laundry facilities were good and the staff were aware of good hygiene practices. Protective clothing is provided. All staff receive infection control training as part of their induction programme. All areas of the home were clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 and 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The staff team are competent in meeting the needs of the service users and are well trained. Service users are protected by the home’s recruitment policy. The staff are well supported and supervised. EVIDENCE: The trainee manager, three home support workers and two enablers were on duty on the day of the inspection. They were dealing with the individual needs of the service users in a competent and sensitive manner. There have been problems recently with low staffing levels due to the health needs of some of the service users. The trainee manager stated that an assistant team leader and a home support worker have been recruited to work in the home. All members of staff have achieved NVQ Level 2 or above. Mandatory health and safety training is updated on a regular basis. The staff confirmed that training is readily available to ensure they are competent to carry out their jobs. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The staff files examined confirmed that Criminal Records Bureau checks had been carried out and two written references obtained. The files did not include photographs of the staff members. The trainee manager has produced a programme to ensure staff receive supervision on a regular basis. The staff on duty confirmed that they receive formal supervision sessions. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39, 41 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The staff ensure the home is run in the best interests of the service users. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure the service users’ rights are safeguarded. Recording systems promote the rights and best interests of the service users. There are systems in place to promote health and safety. EVIDENCE: A new manager has recently been appointed to the home and will be applying to the Commission to be registered. She has lots of experience of caring for adults with learning disabilities. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Meetings are held in the home on a regular basis and service users are encouraged to participate. Minutes of the meetings are available. One questionnaire stated the carers always listen to and act on what is said to them. Comprehensive policies and procedures are available in the home and are reviewed on a regular basis. Staff sign to confirm they have read and understood any new policies and procedures which are introduced. The recording systems were up to date and well recorded. There is a system in place to ensure that the staff are trained in moving and handling skills, fire safety, first aid, infection control and food hygiene. The fire logbook indicated that tests are carried out at the correct intervals. No unsafe practices were noted during the inspection. Charts are maintained to record water temperatures, fridge and freezer temperatures and food temperatures. Cleaning rotas are also in place. The fire door guards, which hold the doors open and closed when the fire alarm is activated, have not been fitted. Staff continue to chock doors open. This requirement was made in April 2004 and must now be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Risk assessments have been put into place. The fire safety officer has recently attended a staff meeting to provide staff with fire instruction. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 2 33 X 34 2 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 2 X 3 X 3 2 X Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 YES Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. Standard YA24 YA24 YA34 YA42 Regulation 23(2)(d) 23(2)(b) 19 Schedule 2 (1) 23(4) Requirement Hall carpet must be cleaned in bungalow 1. Leak in the summerhouse roof must be repaired. Photographs must be available on staff files. Self-closing door devices linked to the fire alarm must be fitted at appropriate locations. Timescale for action 30/09/06 30/09/06 30/09/06 30/09/06 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. Refer to Standard YA24 YA24 YA32 Good Practice Recommendations Bathroom in bungalow 2 should be redecorated. Both garden sheds should be repainted. Staffing levels should be monitored to ensure service users’ needs are met. Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Flax Cottages, 1/2 DS0000000644.V307065.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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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