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Inspection on 21/12/05 for Linkfield Court

Also see our care home review for Linkfield Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 21st December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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

What has improved since the last inspection?

Following the last inspection and additional visit, one requirement and one recommendation were made, both of which have since been met as follows. A written letter, ensuring that the home can meet the residents` needs, now confirms pre admission assessments. The home now complies with guidance from the Pharmaceutical Society on the administration and Control of Medicines. This includes a revised medicines policy, regular monitoring and recording of the medicines refrigerator temperatures, having clear audit trails for certain medication and ensuring two competent staff members sign any hand written details on residents drug charts. Evidence of these changes was seen during the course of the inspection.

What the care home could do better:

The home provides good staff training on the protection of vulnerable adults and has a policy in place, but the procedure to follow does not reflect Department of Health guidelines in this matter. Any allegations or incidents of abuse should be immediately referred to the local social services and any investigation will be managed from there. It is not the home`s responsibility to commence an investigation.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Linkfield Court 19 Knyveton Road East Cliff Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3QG Lead Inspector Joanne Pasker Unannounced Inspection 21st December 2005 11.00 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 Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.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. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 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) Linkfield Court (Bournemouth) Limited Mrs Yolanda Farrell Care Home 29 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (29) of places Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Within the total of 29 places one service user over the age of 40 may be accommodated in the Independent Living Unit for short term care and/or rehabilitation to enable them to return to live in the community. Within the total of 29 places, one service user may be accommodated between the ages of 50 and 65 within the care home. 2nd June 2005 2. Date of last inspection 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, with one of the Responsible Individuals being Mrs Coombs and the other, her daughter Mrs Farrell, who is also 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 DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection was the second of two statutory inspections required in accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000. The lead inspector was Jo Pasker. The inspection took place on 21 November and started at 11.00 hrs and was completed by 13.00 hrs. The total inspection time, including preparation, travelling, inspection and report writing was 7 hours. The inspector spoke to 3 residents, 2 staff and gathered information from the manager and all documentation requested was made readily available. During the course of the inspection the inspector also observed staff interaction with residents, the carrying out of routine tasks and conducted a tour of the premises. Additional information used to inform the inspection process included comment cards and formal notifications of events regularly provided to the Commission by the registered provider. There have been no complaints made since the last inspection. The inspector is grateful for the time and contributions made throughout the day by service users, staff and management. What the service does well: Staff were observed to be kind to residents, treating them with respect and appeared well aware of their individual needs and choices. This is also evident from remarks expressed in comment cards received prior to the inspection, which included: • • • • Staff “strive to maintain the well being and best quality of life possible for the residents”. “Nothing is too much trouble”. A “happy home”. “I am well and properly looked after”. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.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. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.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 Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.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): Standard 3 was assessed during the last inspection. Standard 6 is not applicable because the home does not provide intermediate care. EVIDENCE: Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 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): 9 Standards 7, 8 & 10 were assessed at the last inspection. The home has appropriate policies and procedures in place for the administration and storage of medication, ensuring that residents’ health needs are safely met. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection, there has been an additional visit looking specifically at medication procedures and policies. All recommendations that were made from this visit have since been implemented. The medication policy has been reviewed and is now accurate and well written. It includes reference to the arrangements for ordering and receipt of medication, the proper recording of administration of medication and the procedure for recording verbal instructions from a doctor. Medicines were properly stored, being locked away and with a refrigerator for cold storage. Staff are now recording fridge temperatures regularly, following a previous recommendation and the records were seen to support this. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Records were kept of the receipt, administration and disposal of medication and examination of these showed that all was well recorded. A second competent person, following a previous recommendation, now also signs handwritten medicine changes on drug charts. Linkfield Court now also has medication information leaflets available for residents, families and staff to refer to if needed. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 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): 14 Standards 12, 13 & 15 were assessed at the last inspection. Residents are able to exercise choice over their lifestyle, whilst living in the home ensuring that their individual preferences and routines are respected. EVIDENCE: Residents spoken to on the day confirmed that they were able to choose to follow their own activities and lifestyle on a daily basis. Most were visited and taken out by family and friends whilst others independently went shopping and can use travel tokens to use taxis if needed. On walking around the home residents rooms were clearly seen to contain their own possessions and personal effects, which was also confirmed from talking to residents. The registered providers have sourced an excellent advocacy service, Care Aware, for the use of the residents and their representatives. An annual fee is paid by the home to belong to the scheme but any service provided to residents and their families is free. Advice is often sought regarding benefits entitlement. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 18 Standard 16 was assessed at the last inspection. The home has policies and procedures in place for the protection of residents from abuse or neglect but these are misleading and could put service users at risk, by the home not following proper recommended procedure. EVIDENCE: The home has a policy and procedure in place to respond to suspicion or evidence of abuse or neglect but this does not fully reflect current Department of Health guidelines. The policy states that the home will investigate any allegations or incidents but it is requested that this policy is amended to clearly state that any issues of abuse will be dealt with following the local protection of vulnerable adult (POVA) procedures. However, staff training in awareness of vulnerable adults and abuse is good, with videos and questionnaires also provided by the home to increase staff’s knowledge and skills. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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 & 26 Standards 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26 were assessed at the last inspection. The home is well maintained providing a safe, comfortable, hygienic environment for residents. EVIDENCE: These standards were assessed and met at the last inspection and a tour of the premises found the home remains clean and in good order. It was noted that the home appeared safe and well maintained during the duration of the inspection. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 29 & 30 Standards 27 & 28 were assessed at the last inspection. Recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that unsuitable staff applicants are not recruited and therefore service users are not put at risk. Arrangements for the induction of staff are good with documented evidence that new staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. EVIDENCE: Three staff files were checked and all were found to contain the required information, including: • • • • • • completed application forms 2 references enhanced CRB checks proof of identity documentary evidence of any relevant qualifications terms and conditions Induction training was evident from records kept and discussion with staff. Training records were available for all staff and there was evidence that individual staff members have training in various subjects including diabetes, manual handling and fire training. Training opportunities are good and the providers confirmed that any training needs identified within the staff are met by sourcing courses to meet those needs. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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): 35 & 38 Standards 31, 32, 33, 36 and 38 were assessed at the last inspection. Residents’ financial affairs are well protected, with all handling their own money and residents families being billed directly. Records show that this was well managed. The home demonstrates that there are measures in place to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of residents and staff are maintained. EVIDENCE: All service users finances are managed by themselves or their families and the home does not keep petty cash for any resident. All bills for any hairdressing, chiropody services etc are individually billed to the home who initially pay them. The home then forwards a bill to residents’ representatives and request payment. All services or regular shopping is agreed in advance, with regard to Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 frequency and amounts. Several bills and receipts were viewed which all tallied. All aspects of health and safety were evidenced through discussion with the registered manager and in the tour of the premises. All staff fire training was up to date and training records viewed evidenced this. Other staff training included safe moving and handling, food hygiene, infection control and specialist subjects. Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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 X X X X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 X 9 3 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 X 13 X 14 3 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 X 18 2 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 X 28 X 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X X X X 3 X X 3 Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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 Standard OP18 Regulation 13(6) Requirement The home must amend the policy and procedure for the protection of vulnerable adults, in accordance with the Department of Health’s guidelines regarding abuse investigations. Timescale for action 30/03/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Linkfield Court DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Poole Office Unit 4 New Fields Business Park Stinsford Road Poole 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 DS0000003957.V270918.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 - 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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