CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Linkfield Court 19 Knyveton Road East Cliff Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3QG Lead Inspector
Marjorie Richards Unannounced 2 June 2005 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 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. Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Linkfield Court Address 19 Knyveton Road East Cliff Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3QG 01202 558301 01202 553642 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Linkfield Court (Bournemouth) Limited Mrs Yolanda Farrell CRH PC - Care home only 29 Category(ies) of OP Old age (29) registration, with number of places Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. Within the total of 29 places one service user may be accommodated in the flat within Linkfield Court for short term care and/or rehabilitation to enable them to return to live in the community. Date of last inspection 16 November 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Linkfield Court is a former hotel situated in a tree lined street, within a short level walk of local and national bus and train services. The centre of Bournemouth is not far away, with amenities including shops, cafes, restaurants, entertainment, library, places of worship, beaches and cliff-top walks etc. Retaining many of the features of a hotel, such as large communal rooms and reception area, Linkfield Court was converted to a nursing home before it changed its status and now provides personal care only, for up to 29 older people. Car parking is provided for visitors to the home and further parking is available on nearby roads. The home is owned by Linkfield Court (Bournemouth) Ltd, a family business. One of the Responsible Individuals, Mrs Coombs, lives on site and the other, her daughter Mrs Farrell, is the Registered Manager. Residents accommodation is located on the ground and first floors of the home with access between floors via a wide staircase or passenger lift. Aids and equipment are available for residents who may have disabilities, including ramped access to and from the home and assisted bathing facilities. The home is centrally heated throughout and eleven bedrooms have en-suite facilities. There is a large, attractive garden to the rear of the premises that is level and readily accessible with garden furniture and a patio area. Linkfield Court provides 24 hour personal care, all meals, laundry and domestic services. Service users are encouraged to participate in a range of activities organised in the home, including monthly entertainment and fundraising events for charity.
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over eight hours on the 2nd June 2005 and was one of the two statutory inspections carried out each year. The main purpose of the inspection was to check that the residents living in the home were safe and properly cared for and to check if progress had been made in meeting the one requirement and six recommendations from the previous inspection. A tour of the premises took place and a variety of records and related documentation were examined including the care records for three residents. Time was spent talking with ten residents, as well as Mrs Coombs, Mrs Farrell, the care manager and staff on duty and three visitors to the home, in order to get a real feel of what it is like to live at Linkfield Court. What the service does well:
Information about Linkfield Court is available for prospective residents to help them decide if the home is right for them. A relative commented, I was given lots of information prior to my relative moving here. This was very informative and helped me make a decision about which home to choose. Pre-admission assessments are carried out to ensure that only people whose needs can be met are offered places within the home. Every resident has a care plan, which sets out in detail the individuals care needs and how these are to be met. Residents and their relatives are encouraged to contribute to care plans. Staff carry out monthly reviews of care plans to ensure they are regularly updated as necessary. Records show that health care needs are well met. Residents confirmed they are well cared for and treated with respect and dignity. The staff treat us well. We can have a laugh and joke, but they are always respectful. Staff were observed throughout the inspection to be treating residents with courtesy, patience and kindness. A resident confirmed that privacy is respected, I can go to my room whenever I want. It is my room and I have a key. A range of activities is provided within the home and entertainment is provided every month. A resident commented, “I look at the notice board every day to see what is going on. Residents, relatives and friends are able to participate in some events together, such as the summer fete, theatre productions and charity fundraising events. A monthly inter-denominational religious service is
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 held within the home for those who wish to take part. Meals are varied and take into account the likes and dislikes of residents. Mealtime arrangements are flexible enough to accommodate individual preferences and any social activities etc. Residents speak highly of the meals provided, e.g. I enjoy all my meals, we have a very good standard of food here. The home has a complaints policy in place and residents are confident that any concerns will be dealt with satisfactorily. No complaints have been received by the home or the Commission since the last inspection. Linkfield Court is an attractive building, retaining many period features. There are spacious communal areas, including a designated smoking area. There is a large, attractive, well-maintained garden with easy access for residents. Seating is provided and residents also enjoy the patio area. The home is clean and well maintained, but further improvements are always being sought to ensure that residents live in safe and comfortable surroundings. Mrs Farrell is assisted by a team of experienced care, catering, cleaning and maintenance staff. The needs of residents are well met by the numbers and skill mix of a staff team well trained and competent in their work. A resident said, I feel I am well looked after. A visitor commented, I think the staff show endless patience and kindness towards residents. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Over 50 of the care staff working in the home have National Vocational Qualifications at level 2. Mrs Farrell provides clear leadership and promotes a happy, relaxed atmosphere where residents are at ease. Staff said, The manager is someone you can talk to. She is helpful and understanding. This is a nice place to work. I am happy to come here. Everyone is very friendly. Linkfield Court welcomes comments and ideas from residents, relatives and visitors. Questionnaires are distributed annually to seek feedback about the homes performance. Good management practice ensures the health and safety of all in the home. What has improved since the last inspection?
The home continues to function at the high standard noted at previous inspections. However, Mrs Coombs is always looking to make improvements that will enhance the lives of residents within the home. To this end, a new hairdressing and therapy room has been created. Improvements have been made to enlarge the laundry room, further improving the efficiency of the service. Two of the three boilers in the home have been replaced and the third
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 7 boiler will also be replaced in July. Mrs Coombs has plans to refurbish one of the communal bathrooms to provide three assisted bathrooms and a level walk-in shower later this year, so that all of the bathrooms will be available to any resident, including those with disabilities. Over 50 of the care staff have now achieved National Vocational Qualifications at level 2. The one requirement from the last report has been met and the six recommendations have all been implemented. 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. Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 8 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 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 standard(s) 1 and 3 Information provided about Linkfield Court and a thorough admissions procedure allows prospective residents to make informed decisions about admission to the home and ensures that only those whose needs can be met by the home are offered places there. However, the outcome of pre-admission assessments is not confirmed in writing, so prospective residents are not fully assured that their care needs will be met. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide contain all of the information required about the home and its facilities. The Service User Guide gives a good indication of what a resident can expect from the home. A Welcome Pack is sent to all those who make inquiries about the home, giving basic information and inviting further contact. A relative commented, I was given lots of information prior to my relative moving here. This was very informative and helped me make the decision about which home to choose. Linkfield Court has a written admissions policy. Individual care records are kept for each resident and three of these were examined. All showed that, prior to moving to the home, care needs had been fully assessed by the
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 homes care manager. Should the care manager not be available, assessments are undertaken by Mrs Coombs or Mrs Farrell. However, at present, the outcome of such assessments is not confirmed in writing, so prospective residents are not fully assured that their care needs will be met. The information contained in pre-admission assessments and also any assessment supplied by Social Services, is then used to draw up a detailed plan of care. Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 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 standard(s) 7, 8 and 10 Linkfield Court has a detailed care planning system in place, which ensures that staff have the information they need to meet the needs of residents. Good support from community health professionals helps to ensure that the health needs of residents are well met. Residents are treated with respect and their privacy and dignity is promoted at all times. EVIDENCE: All three of the care plans examined flow from the assessments made earlier and are clearly set out, informative about the needs of each resident and how staff are to meet these needs. Relatives are encouraged to contribute to the development of care plans and be involved in the provision of care if they wish. Records demonstrated that care plans are reviewed and updated monthly, or more often where necessary. Where care needs have changed, appropriate professionals have been consulted to carry out further assessments etc. Records also demonstrate that residents have access to GPs, district nurses, dentists, opticians, chiropodists, etc and attend for hospital appointments as necessary. This was confirmed by residents and observed during the inspection. Risk assessments are in place and appropriate steps are taken to minimise any risks identified.
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Staff were observed throughout the inspection to be treating residents with courtesy, kindness and respect. A resident commented, The staff here are very good. They knock and wait to be invited into my room. Toileting activities were seen to be carried out very discreetly. Any continence products are stored out of sight in bedrooms so that visitors cannot see them. All residents were well presented and wearing jewellery, spectacles etc, where appropriate. The majority of residents have their own single bedrooms, thereby offering an opportunity to be on their own if they wish, or allowing privacy for any visitors or personal care needs. A shared room policy is in place to ensure that privacy and dignity are protected where residents are sharing bedrooms. A tour of the premises revealed that shared rooms have screens to assist with privacy. Residents commented, The staff treat us well. We can have a laugh and joke, but they are always respectful. One of the first things they asked me when I came here was what did I want to be called and how did I wish to be addressed. I can go to my room whenever I want. It is my room and I have a key. Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities
The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12, 13 and 15 A range of activities and events provide variation and interest for residents and satisfies their social, religious and recreational needs. Residents are encouraged to maintain contact with family and friends and the wider community. Linkfield Court serves a balanced and varied selection of food that meets residents’ tastes, choices and special dietary needs within pleasant surroundings. EVIDENCE: A large notice board outside the lounge details all of the events, activities etc taking place in the home. Residents at Linkfield Court enjoy quizzes, playing bingo, watching videos, going out for walks or into town and also taking gentle armchair exercise to music. A karaoke machine and a stereo CD player are also available. Entertainment is arranged every month. The home holds a summer fete and various fundraising events for charity, which promote links with the local community. A travelling theatre company visits the home on a quarterly basis and residents, family and friends are invited to the production, with a buffet meal provided afterwards. A flexible approach is taken to the running of the home to fit in with residents needs and wishes. One resident likes to help in the garden. Important dates
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 and events are celebrated, such as birthdays, Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween and November 5th. Residents commented, There is always plenty to do here if you want to. I look at the notice board every day to see what is going on. Daily newspapers and magazines are provided and some residents also like to order their own newspapers. A monthly inter-denominational service is held within the home. Every two weeks, young people from the local church choir visit the home to sing and talk with residents. Visitors confirmed that they are always well received when visiting Linkfield Court. I can visit at any time and they always make me feel welcome. They have marvellous events here, to which we are all invited. Residents records and the visitors book confirm contact with family and friends as well as visits by professionals. In addition, a payphone is provided with an access point in every room. A number of residents have their own telephones and/or mobile phones, so can maintain family and community links. Lunch on the day of inspection was roast pork with apple sauce and stuffing, roast potatoes, cabbage and parsnips, followed by cherry crumble with custard. The chef talks with residents every day to see what they would like to eat and provides alternatives to the main menu if necessary. (Today, chicken and fish.) Residents may choose where in the home they eat their meals, although many like to eat together in the dining room. Meals are seen as social occasions and the lunchtime meal took place in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere with discreet staff assistance provided wherever necessary. Mealtimes can be flexible to fit in with care needs, appointments etc. The menu shows that residents enjoy a healthy, well-balanced diet. Fresh vegetables are used wherever possible and staff offer a selection of readyprepared fruit to all residents every day. Residents commented, I enjoy all my meals, we have a very good standard of food here. We eat really well. We can have a cooked breakfast, substantial lunch and three course supper if we want to. Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 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 standard(s) 16 A system is in place for dealing with any complaints. Residents are confident that complaints would be listened to and dealt with appropriately. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints policy and procedure that has recently been updated. No complaints have been received by the home or the Commission since the last inspection. Residents spoken to said they had no concerns, “ I have no complaints about this place, none at all.” Residents commented, If I was concerned about anything at all, I would tell the staff or speak with the manager if necessary. If something isnt quite right, you only have to tell someone and it is put right straight away. Residents and staff confirmed that the manager and senior staff were always approachable and willing to talk about any problems that might arise. A visitor commented, I can always speak with someone in charge if there is anything I wish to discuss. I have no concerns about this home, it is very well run. Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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 standard(s) 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26 Continuous investment in the upkeep of the home results in a well-maintained, comfortable and safe environment for residents, where standards are constantly improving. The home provides access to a variety of communal areas, including attractive gardens that are easily accessible to residents. There are sufficient communal bathrooms and toilets, which meet the needs of residents. Linkfield Court is clean with no unpleasant smells, making daily life more pleasant for all in the home. EVIDENCE: Maintenance records show that continual work is carried out to keep the home and grounds in good condition. Since the last inspection, work has been completed to enlarge the laundry area and further improve the efficiency of the laundry service. A new hairdressing/therapy room has been created for the benefit of residents. Two of the three boilers in the home have been replaced
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 and the third boiler will be replaced in July. There are three communal bathrooms at Linkfield Court, including two assisted baths. (One a Parker whirlpool and one with a fixed hoist.) Plans are in hand to refurbish the bathroom with hoist, providing an assisted corner spa bath and a walk-in shower. When work is finished, the original hoist from this bathroom will be moved to the third bathroom so that all baths will be assisted, enabling residents of all abilities to have easy access to a range of bathing facilities. There are four communal WCs on the first floor and three on the ground floor. Eleven rooms have en-suite bathing facilities and plans are being considered to replace the existing baths with walk-in level access showers, allowing easier access for residents with disabilities. All radiators in communal areas and bedrooms are guarded to ensure resident safety. Hot water temperatures were tested and found to be close to the recommended temperature of 43C, to prevent any risk of scalding. Linkfield Court is an attractive building, retaining many period features. There are two ground floor communal rooms. The main lounge at the front of the building is very large and divided into distinct areas, including a dining area. The smaller rear lounge is a designated smoking area. The home also has a large reception hall where some residents like to sit and watch the comings and goings. All communal areas are comfortably furnished and well maintained. To assist residents safety, lighting in communal areas, corridors etc comes on automatically as soon as movement is detected. To the rear of the home is a large level garden with flowerbeds, mature trees and shrubs and a fishpond. The pond is fenced for safety reasons. A ramp from the rear lounge ensures easy access onto the patio and into the garden. Seating is provided and residents commented, I love the garden, I love to watch the changing seasons. The garden is beautiful and so peaceful, you can forget you are near the centre of Bournemouth. A tour of the building showed that residents bedrooms are comfortably furnished and personalised to varying degrees. One resident said, “I am very fond of my room, I have it just as I want it.” Bedrooms have suitable locks and residents confirm they can have a key if they wish. Residents also have access to a lockable facility within their bedroom. Bedrooms are redecorated and carpets replaced whenever a new occupant is admitted, or sooner if necessary. The home is clean and there are no unpleasant smells, making life within the home more pleasurable. Suitable facilities and procedures are in place in respect of laundry and the disposal of clinical waste. The home has a detailed infection control policy. Residents commented, The laundry service is very good. We get everything back the next day. I think they keep the home very clean and tidy.
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27 and 28 The numbers and skill mix of staff are sufficient to meet the needs of residents. The home understands the importance of NVQ level 2 training in ensuring that residents are in safe hands at all times. EVIDENCE: Mrs Farrell heads a team of experienced care, catering, cleaning and maintenance staff. The weekly staffing roster shows sufficient staff on duty throughout the day, including two wakeful staff at night. A key worker system is in operation, where each member of care staff has particular responsibility for several residents. This gives them an opportunity to really get to know residents and ensure all their needs are met. Residents said, “ I feel I am well looked after.” The staff are very helpful when you need them. Visitors said, I have always found the staff to be very attentive and helpful.” I think the staff show endless patience and kindness towards residents. Nothing is too much trouble for them.” Mrs Farrell takes staff training very seriously as a means of improving the standard of care provided by the home and ensuring residents safety. Details of training opportunities are posted in the staff room and are available to all staff. Over 50 of care staff have now achieved National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) at level 2. Three of the staff team are also NVQ assessors. The care manager confirmed that other members of staff were intending to commence NVQ training this year. One Care Assistant said, I think the NVQ training has given me a much better understanding about caring for people and has helped me a lot to do my job better.
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 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 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 32, 33, 36 and 38 Both the responsible individuals/registered manager are qualified and experienced in care and management. Clear leadership is provided throughout the home with all staff demonstrating an awareness of their roles and responsibilities. The home regularly reviews its performance and actively seeks the views of residents, staff and relatives to ensure the home is run in the best interests of residents. Staff are well trained and supervised and good management practice ensures the health and safety of all in the home. EVIDENCE: Linkfield Court is a well established home and both the responsible individuals/ registered manager (Mrs Coombs and Mrs Farrell) have considerable management experience. Both hold the Certificate in Social Care and Management and are also NVQ assessors. They are well supported by a care
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 manager and a team of care staff. A full range of policies and procedures is in place to offer advice and guidance to staff and these are regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. Discussions with staff show that they are clear about roles and responsibilities within the home. They speak positively about the management approach of the home. Mrs Farrell is a very good manager. She always has time to listen to everyone, residents, staff, relatives and visitors. The manager is someone you can talk to. She is helpful and understanding. Working relationships between the management, staff and residents were directly and indirectly observed throughout the course of the inspection. They were amicable, yet professional, contributing to a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, which was beneficial to all in the home. One member of staff commented, This is a nice place to work. I am happy to come here. Everyone is very friendly. A visitor confirmed that members of the management team were always approachable, It is a pleasure to come here and visit my relative. Someone is always available if you need to talk or discuss anything. Mrs Farrell and her staff frequently spend time talking with residents informally to obtain their views. Formal residents meetings and six monthly relatives meetings are also held. Quality Assurance questionnaires are completed annually by residents, relatives and other visitors to the home. Feedback on the questionnaires is given at residents and relatives meetings, where comments or suggestions are discussed and actioned wherever possible. Formal staff supervision takes place every two months and staff meetings also provide opportunities for staff to express their views and ideas. Staff appraisals are carried out annually to ensure they are fulfilling their role satisfactorily and meeting the needs of residents. Linkfield Court has an ongoing staff training programme, covering topics such as moving and handling, health and safety, first aid and basic food hygiene, in order to promote health and safety within the home. The home has an annual contract with a clinical waste disposal contractor to provide a safe storage receptacle on site and safe disposal. Fire records show regular maintenance of the fire warning system, emergency lighting and fire fighting equipment and checks being carried out at the correct intervals. Each member of staff has an individual record of fire training and this is now carried out quarterly for all staff. Staff confirmed regular training in fire and health and safety matters. In order to further protect all those living and working in the home, a fire assessment is carried out each year. This covers all the potential hazards in the home and the action necessary to minimise risk. Documentation shows that servicing of equipment is carried out at appropriate intervals, e.g. passenger lift, hoists, gas boilers and Parker bath etc to ensure residents safety.
Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 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 ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score 3 x 2 x x N/A 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 4 13 4 14 x 15 3
COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 x 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x x 3 3 3 x x 3 x 3 Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 NO 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 3 Regulation 14(1)(d) Requirement The registered person must confirm in writing to the service user that, having regard to the assessment, the care home is able to meet his/her care needs in respect of health and welfare. Timescale for action 31/8/05 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 Good Practice Recommendations Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Unit 4 New Fields Business Park Stinsford Road Poole Dorset BH17 0NF 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 Linkfield Court D55 S3957 Linkfield Court V220442 020605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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. 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!
