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Inspection on 17/01/06 for Hyde Valley House

Also see our care home review for Hyde Valley House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 17th January 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.

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

What the care home does well

The home projects a warm friendly and very homely atmosphere where the residents were observed to have a very relaxed and easy relationship with their carers who clearly had good knowledge of their individual care needs. One carer said, " I aim to make each individual resident feel special not just one of the group". The home gives priority to obtaining a full past history of each resident and where possible getting to know their families and friends who visit.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection a number of works of redecoration and provision of new carpeting and other soft furnishings have very considerably improved the appearance of several areas of the home. Other works of refurbishment including the laying of a new patio have also been completed. The recent appointment of an Activities Organiser has improved the provision and range of activities and has enable planning for other future improvements to be made. Since the last inspection the home has been fortunate in being able to obtain the services of a number of Volunteer Friends who now make regular visits to the home.

What the care home could do better:

Although all staff spoken with confirmed that they are well supported by the homes managers the required frequency of staff supervision meetings, once every two months, could not be evidenced from the records. The manager said that she was aware that a better level of staff at night would be advantageous giving the residents, whose care needs are constantly increasing, a better standard of care and would also give the staff a better capacity to deal with any emergencies that may occur at night.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Hyde Valley House Hyde Valley Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 4ND Lead Inspector Mrs Jan Sheppard Unannounced Inspection 17th January 2006 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 Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Hyde Valley House Address Hyde Valley Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 4ND 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) 01707 379 700 01707 379 760 hyde@quantumcare.co.uk www.quantumcare.co.uk Quantum Care Limited Elizabeth Anne Cook Care Home 46 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (46), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (46), of places Physical disability over 65 years of age (46) Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 26th September 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Hyde Valley House is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for 46 older people, who may also have a physical disability or dementia. The home, which is owned by Hertfordshire County Council, is run by Quantum Care, a voluntary organisation and is situated in a residential area of Welwyn Garden City, close to shops, pubs, a post office and other amenities. The home provides accommodation in single rooms without en-suite facilities; these are located on two floors, which are both fully accessible by lift. The accommodation is arranged in three separate units each with their own lounge, dining room and small kitchen along with toilets and assisted bathrooms. There is a separate day care facility on the ground floor of the home. Hyde Valley has small gardens with flowerbeds patios and secluded sitting places that residents can easily access. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second unannounced inspection of this inspection year and took place over one day when residents and staff were spoken with, records examined and a tour of the building undertaken. The statements in this report reflect what was observed by the inspector on that day. Not all of the standards were examined as they were all inspected during the previous inspection on 26th September 2005 to which reference may be made. On the day of this inspection care was seen to be being delivered in an unobtrusive manner, which enabled the residents to retain their own abilities as far as this was safely possible for them to do. All of the residents spoken with by the inspector were entirely complimentary about the care that they received and the manner in which this was delivered to them. On the day of this unannounced inspection the home seemed calm and peaceful and had a noticeable bright and welcoming atmosphere. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Since the last inspection a number of works of redecoration and provision of new carpeting and other soft furnishings have very considerably improved the appearance of several areas of the home. Other works of refurbishment including the laying of a new patio have also been completed. The recent appointment of an Activities Organiser has improved the provision and range of activities and has enable planning for other future improvements to be made. Since the last inspection the home has been fortunate in being able to obtain the services of a number of Volunteer Friends who now make regular visits to the home. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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 Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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 and 3, standard 6 is not applicable to this home, as intermediate care is not Offered. All prospective residents receive an assessment visit from one of the homes managers and they and their families are given the opportunity to visit the home before admission arrangements are discussed. Information offered to prospective residents in the form of the homes Statement of Purpose and Service Users Guide, is with one minor exception, comprehensive and informative enabling an informed decision about admission to be made. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose has recently been reviewed and contains sufficient detail except in the section dealing with the staff competencies, which should be expanded to give better detail about the care teams experience and qualifications, The care plans examined evidenced that a through care needs assessment is carried out for every prospective new resident and that they are given as much time as they need to adjust to the prospect of entering residential care. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 The care plans of recently admitted residents also evidenced that details of their care needs are gradually built up during the initial days of their admission to the home and that frequent reviews of this information take place these involving both the resident and where appropriate their families also. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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 and 9 Detailed care plans are compiled for all residents, which were seen to be subject to regular reviews. The home has a robust medication storage and administration system, which apart from two minor omissions was seen to be well maintained. EVIDENCE: The residents spoken with all confirmed that they were very well cared for. One told the inspector,” the staff are never far away and they seem able to anticipate my care needs”. The care plans contained good detail were seen to be regularly reviewed and gave evidence of some residents active assistance with their review. There have been no changes in the arrangements for the storage and administration of medication since the last inspection. However the manager discussed with the inspector various changes that the company is introducing concerning medication and within Hyde Valley House it is planned to provide a larger medication room. The records examined were found to be accurately kept and medication stored in a neat planned manner. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 One medication not currently being administered was found to be beyond its expiry date, and one liquid medication was found not to be being stored at the correct temperature. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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. A more varied and wider choice of activities is now offered in the home. Visitors are always welcome in the home and several were seen to be visiting on the day of this inspection. Residents and relatives were complimentary about the food. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection various improvements have been made to the activities programme and the manager is very pleased to have been successful in recruiting an activities organiser. Residents said that there was always an activity for them to join in with if they wished. Several said that they chose not to participate in formally arranged activities but preferred to read or knit quietly on their own. Some did mention that they liked outings in the bus especially in the summer. Visitors mentioned that they are kept well informed of events and special occasions in the home to which they are always made to feel very welcome. The comments made to the inspector about the food were entirely complimentary, although one resident did say that it was all so nice that she was putting on weight. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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 and 18 The home has a robust complaints procedure and follows the Adult Protection Procedures as set out in Hertfordshire’s Joint Agency guidelines. EVIDENCE: Copies of the homes complaints procedure were seen in the entrance hallway along with the latest inspection report and a good practice suggestion box. There have been no complaints nor any incidents concerning adult protection since the last inspection. The training records evidenced that training concerning adult protection is ongoing for all staff. One newly recruited member of staff who told the inspector that she was only part way through her Induction training had, never the less, a sound grasp of the various ways in which abuse could manifest itself and demonstrated that she knew what actions to take if she were ever to find herself in that situation. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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 and 26 The home meets the space and environmental requirements for this standard. It provides a pleasant comfortable safe and homely environment for its service users. The home was clean tidy and had no offensive odours. EVIDENCE: The routine maintenance works of a unit kitchen refurbishment, redecorations, new carpeting and furnishings completed since the last inspection have greatly improved the appearance of two units of the home which had previously had a somewhat shabby air so that the whole home now has a fresh and attractively decorated appearance. The manager discussed with the inspector the next planned refurbishment works and how the residents were involved with the planning of these where their choices were possible. On the day of this unannounced inspection the home was found to be very clean and tidy. The senior housekeeper confirmed that her team was a very stable one many having worked at the home for many years, and that they always had a good supply of cleaning products and reliable equipment. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 One recently appointed housekeeper confirmed to the inspector details of the induction training that she had undertaken and said that she was happy with her new job, “This is a nice place to work I’m glad that I made the change “ she said. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 and 30 The home appeared to have adequate staff to meet the daytime care needs of the residents. Staff are experienced and undertake regular training. The employment procedures and records seen for new staff appeared to be kept in line with the homes recruitment policies. EVIDENCE: Hyde Valley House is fortunate in being able to retain a very consistent staff group there having only been one new staff appointment since the last inspection. The manager commented that experienced and qualified applicants are now more often being received when vacant posts are advertised. The homes records evidenced that a detailed training programme has been established for every member of staff. Since the last inspection the numbers of staff holding the NVQ qualification at level 2 has increased to 48 . Two staff have completed the years training course on Dementia Care and another course is planned for late in the year. The manager has completed the NVQ level 4 in Management and Care and the Registered Managers Award. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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): 31,32,33,36 The home which has a good reputation in its locality continues to be well run by experienced and well qualified staff many of whom have worked there for many years and who work well together as a team. The residents interests and safety are supported by the good maintenance of the homes records and the following of procedures concerning risk and safety. EVIDENCE: The staff were observed to be working well together with good team cooperation and several told the inspector that they were happy with their work. Others confirmed that they were well supported by the homes managers and that they received regular supervision, however the records of this did not fully evidence that formal supervision was being given at least six times a year. The managers influence within the home was very evident and staff spoke in an appreciative way of her assistance and support. One resident told the Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 inspector, “We have our own staff on this unit and we all know them very well, but the Manager often visits us to ask how we are and to seek our opinions about things, she is a very approachable lady”. Throughout this inspection the home had a calm and very peaceful atmosphere with care seen to be being delivered in an unobtrusive manner in which residents own abilities were supported and their rights and dignity given constant priority. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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 x 3 x x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 x 9 2 10 x 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 x x x x x x 3 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 3 3 3 x x 2 x x Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 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. 1. 2. Standard OP36 OP9 Regulation 18(2) 13(2) Requirement Staff should have at least six supervision meetings each year. Medication must not be kept beyond its expiry date. Lactolose must be stored at 20 degrees or below. Timescale for action 28/02/06 31/01/06 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 Refer to Standard OP7 OP1 Good Practice Recommendations More attention needs to be given to the care of some residents teeth. More details concerning the staffs care experience and qualifications should be added to the homes Statement of Purpose. Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Office Mercury House 1 Broadwater Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3BQ 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 Hyde Valley House DS0000019436.V277914.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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