Inspection on 23/11/05 for Harwood Court

This inspection was carried out on 23rd November 2005.

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

Harwood Court 18/09/07

Harwood Court 12/09/06

Harwood Court 31/01/06

Harwood Court 02/09/04

Harwood Court 06/07/04

Harwood Court 26/03/04

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Harwood Court Highburn Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6AZ Lead Inspector Carole McKay Announced Inspection 23rd November 2005 and 2nd December 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 Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Harwood Court Address Highburn Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6AZ 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) 01670-712492 01670-735626 home.cra@mha.org.uk Methodist Homes for the Aged Mrs Judith Moffat Care Home 35 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (35) of places Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 2/09/04 and 10/09/04 Brief Description of the Service: Harwood Court is a well established home, which provides single room en suite accommodation and personal care to 35 persons. The premises are purpose built with large gardens and are well located for services and shops in the middle of Cramlington. Run by Methodist Homes for the Aged, a national voluntary organisation, the home has a Christian based ethos and welcomes applications from people of all faiths. The home benefits from the support of a small but committed group of volunteers and has a well-established staff team. The home has experienced two changes of manager in the last twelve months. Mrs Judith Moffat is the current registered manager. An emphasis is placed on social activity and independence. The home has a lively social activity programme and volunteers help support service users in maintaining links with the community. Service user involvement in the running of the home is also encouraged. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Two visits to the home were carried out during the inspection process. The first visit was devoted to spending time with the manager, the staff and looking at the records. These included the care files and minutes of service user and staff meetings. The second visit was devoted to spending time with service users. Surveys were sent to service users and relatives/visitors. Service users returned 10 surveys and 10 returned form relatives/visitors What the service does well: The service provides good information for service users before they move into the home. The service emphasises service user involvement in the service and supports independence and social activity. The views of service users and their representatives are sought regarding the quality of the service. Relatives and visitors are made to feel welcome and involved. The service provides an attractive and well maintained, comfortable place for people to live. The service recruits support for service users from volunteers and the local community. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 1,3 A good level of information is provided for service users. Service users needs are fully assessed before moving into the home. The home does not provide intermediate care. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 EVIDENCE: The service has developed a Welcome Pack for service users. Copies are available at the entrance to the home. The pack contains information about the home and the organisation that provides the service. The home’s statement of purpose is included. Files belonging to two service users who were most recently admitted contained copies of assessments carried out by officers of the referring agency as well as assessments carried out by staff from the home. The home’s assessment process begins when enquiries are made by logging the basic details and needs of service users. A broader assessment is carried out once the person has made a firm decision to move into the home. The home’s own assessment system covers all items specified in the standard. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 10 The home sets out the health needs of service users. Health needs are monitored and health care is delivered in a planned way. The privacy and dignity of service users is respected. EVIDENCE: All service users have an individual service user plan. Service user plans for four service users were examined at this inspection. These files are kept in good order. They contain assessments and care plans for all health related matters. This includes risk assessments for falls, pressure sores and general dependency. These are regularly updated, and more frequent updates are made when the service user needs this. For example, one of the service users’ health is deteriorating and for this person monthly up dates are included in the risk assessment. Service users’ weights are monitored regularly. The files contain records of routine and special visits by health care professionals. These are up to date and show regular visits taking place for people who do not have special needs requiring frequent care. More frequent visits are arranged as service Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 users require them. For example one file contained a record of frequent GP visits for one of service users. The home has a treatment room where service users may be seen by health professionals, however the service users told the Inspector that they would normally be seen in their rooms, which is their preference. In the service users’ surveys all 10 persons responded ‘yes’ to the question whether their privacy was respected. The Inspector saw staff respecting the dignity of service users when assisting them with transferring and moving around the home. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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, Service users enjoy a good level of organised social activity throughout the year. Service users are consulted about things that happen in the home. Service users’ representatives are encouraged to make comment on the service and relatives are updated about progress. Service users are supported to personalise their rooms. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the home’s activities organiser has retired, however the staff and volunteers now organise these things. A programme of social activity is posted up in the main corridor of the home. The Manager said that this had been updated recently and now included week-end activity and activities designed for less able service users. For example the service now has a sherry morning every Sunday and quizzes and bingo. A folk singer visited the service on the day of the inspection. The Inspector saw that service users enjoyed appreciated this activity. Service users said that they were looking forward to going to the Theatre for a special Christmas concert. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 The home has an active group of volunteers. One of the volunteers runs a small weekly shop for service users. This is a weekly activity. The Inspector saw that this creates a social occasion for service users. The home’s visitors’ book is kept in the hallway of the home. Visitors are frequent and positive messages are left in the comments book. These comments included positive experiences about social activity. The service users surveys indicate that service users are happy with the activities offered. Service user meetings take place and a service users ‘ committee has been formed since the last inspection. The Inspector saw the minutes from the meetings. The minutes show that service users are involved in planning social activity. Planned activities include shopping trips, visits to the garden centre, and simple activities, such as a walk in the garden for 10 minutes each day. Service users’ rooms contain their personal possessions. This includes furniture and furnishings. The minutes from one of the service user meetings contain positive comments about the meals served at the home. One of the relatives mentioned in survey that the food quality had declined recently. All of the service users who have returned comment cards say that the home provides suitable activities, apart from one person who answered “ mostly”. One of the relatives of a service user commented.” I have been impressed by the way I have been informed about my mother’s activities and her various reactions” Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 The service has effective complaints and protection procedures. EVIDENCE: A comments/ compliments book is available at the entrance to the home. The home has a suitable complaints procedure and keeps a record of complaints. The procedure is included in the Service User Guide One complaint had been received since the last Inspection. This complaint had been investigated and recorded appropriately. Since the last inspection the adult protection procedures have been used on one occasion. The Commission was informed about this at the time and the Manager updated the Inspector during the inspection. This matter is now closed, however the incident gave rise to some training issues. The Manager has dates for further staff training in protection of vulnerable adults. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 The home is well presented and maintained to a good standard. An ongoing programme of renewal is followed EVIDENCE: The Inspector saw that the communal areas are comfortably furnished and pleasantly decorated. All areas of the home are kept clean and no outstanding maintenance problems are evident. The home employs a full time handyman. The handyman is also responsible for the grounds, which are attractive and well kept. Access to the home from the parking area is level. Service users can easily get out to the patio and garden form the main lounge and conservatory. Since the last inspection new side tables have been provided in the lounge. The corridors have been decorated and carpets have been replaced. The manager said that new lounge chairs and footstools are on order. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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): 27,29,30 The home’s staffing levels are stable. The staff are trained to care for service users. EVIDENCE: Staff rotas provide a satisfactory level of staff cover. Since the last inspection staff turnover has settled. The home employs 21 care staff and 13 ancillary staff. 18 of the care staff hold NVQ level 2. Three assistant managers are employed. This provides for management cover at all times during the day. Assistant managers each hold special responsibilities, such as care planning or overseeing the medication procedures. Certificates of recent specialised training, such as dementia care and handling medication and updated training for staff in mandatory subjects; moving and handling, food hygiene, fire safety, first aid are in staff files. The Manager wrote in the pre inspection questionnaire that training in health and safety, challenging behaviour and handling medication was planned for the near future. There is a system in place for the recording of training received and for future planning of training. The service users said that the staff understood their needs. All of the service user surveys gave positive responses to questions about how the staff treat Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 them. Relatives/visitors surveys were also very positive. The following additional comments were included: “ The staff at Harwood Court are very dedicated and caring” “ We are impressed with the commitment of all the staff we have met” “ From the very first time that I rang Harwood Court when I was enquiring about a placement for my mother, I have encountered nothing but friendliness, kindness and understanding…I can’t praise the staff too highly” Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 32,33,36,37 The management arrangements for the home are now stable. The current manager has established a clear ethos among the staff team. Service users and staff are central to the ethos of the manager. More routine supervision for staff is planned for. Quality assurance systems are in place in the home. EVIDENCE: The new manager, Judith Moffat, has established regular monthly staff meetings and monthly meetings with senior staff, since coming to the home. The minutes of these meetings are available. The meetings are used to problem solve, to look at good practice and to identify new ways in which the service users’ needs can be addressed. The staff said that staff morale has improved since the manager started and that team working is better. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Staff supervision arrangements have been addressed since the last inspection, when they had fallen behind schedule due to staffing difficulties and lack of a designated manager. Judith Moffat said that supervisions were being brought up to date and December 2005 was the target for all outstanding supervisions to be completed. The manager said that she has arranged for all staff who have supervision responsibilities to receive training in supervision and appraisal. Records of supervision most recently carried out are in place. Four of the staff in the home carry out an internal audit, which incorporates spending two days, four times per year, gathering service user views. An annual quality plan is devised form the auditing process along with an annual business plan. The manager described her own system of monitoring assessment, care planning, medication and falls risk assessments for quality assurance purposes. Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 x 3 x x x HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 X 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 4 14 3 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 X 3 X X X X X X X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 X 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X 3 3 X X 3 3 X Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 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 Harwood Court DS0000000604.V254069.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 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. 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