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Inspection on 16/06/05 for Linson Court Nursing Home

Also see our care home review for Linson Court Nursing Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 16th June 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

Service users and relatives say that staff are helpful, kind and caring, and treat the people they look after with respect. The meals are good and take account of people`s likes and dislikes. There are no complaints recorded since the last inspection; a number of compliments have been received in the form of "Thank You" letters and cards. Through training and recruitment practices, service users are protected from abuse.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The standard of vetting and recruitment practices have improved with appropriate checks now being carried out.

What the care home could do better:

The manager is advised to keep the activities records in with the service users care records, and complete the record on a daily basis. Where a service user receives a variation to the planned menu the variation should be recorded. The registered person should ensure that the complaints procedure specifies that complaints will be responded to within a maximum of 28 days. A minimum ratio of 50% trained members of care staff should achieve an NVQ level 2 or equivalent, by 31st December 2005. The registered manager should ensure that all staff have 2 fire drills per year, and the names of the staff who attend the drills should be recorded. The work identified in the recent Fire Safety Officers report must be addressed within the agreed timescales.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE LINSON COURT Dark Lane Wellington Street Batley WF17 5RU Lead Inspector Karen Summers Unannounced 16 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. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Linson Court Nursing Home Address Dark Lane Wellington Street Batley WF17 5RU 01924 445253 01924 472461 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) Tri Care Homes Limited Mrs Julie Roper Care Home with Nursing 40 Category(ies) of 40 x Old Age over 65 registration, with number 2 x Terminally ill of places LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Conditions of this registration are listed on the registration certificate displayed at the service Date of last inspection 21st March 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Linson Court is a large, detached, purpose built care home providing nursing care for up to 40 older people. All rooms are single and en-suite. Garden and patio areas are located at the rear of the building, and there is parking within the grounds. The home is situated just outside Batley town centre and is well served by the local bus service, the nearest bus stop being approximately 200 yards away. All local shops and amenities are within 10 - 15 minutes walking distance. Linson Court is owned and managed by Tri-Care Ltd. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This report refers to an unannounced inspection at Linson Court on Thursday 16th June 2005, commencing at 8.40am, and the duration of the inspection was 6 hours. The deputy manager, Mrs J Free, was present at the inspection. The following methods have been used in the production of this report: sampling of records, care plans, individual discussion with service users, relatives, discussion with management and staff, tour of the premises and document reading. What the service does well: 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. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 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 LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 7 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) 3 No service user moves into the home without having had his/ her needs assessed and been assured that those needs will be met. EVIDENCE: Prior to admission Mrs J Roper, manager, or Mrs J Free, deputy manager, visits the prospective service user in their place of residence and carries out an assessment of their needs. When carrying out the assessment the service user and where appropriate, his/her representative (if any) and relevant health professionals have input into the assessment. Once the manager/ deputy manager is satisfied that they can meet the service users needs they are then offered a place at the home. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 8 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 & 10 Service users receive the level of support they require to ensure that all aspects of their health and social care needs are maintained. There is evidence of good multi disciplinary working taking place. EVIDENCE: The recording in care plans has improved since the last inspection, and the action that needs to be taken by care staff, to ensure that all aspects of the health and social care needs of the service users are met is recorded. The plans included risk assessments that had been reviewed once a month. Records also indicated that service users are getting the appropriated health care as required, and that staff are liaising with other health care professionals. Service users who were spoken with said that the staff were helpful, and that they could not do enough for you. Staff were also seen to respond to service users needs in a respectful, and kind and caring manner. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 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 & 15 Due to the lack of recording of activities it was not totally possible to confirm that the lifestyle the service users receive match their expectations and preferences. Service users are encouraged to maintain contact with family and friends, and they visit on a regular basis. A variety of meals are offered that take into account the likes and dislikes of the service users. EVIDENCE: The recording of activities is held in a separate file to the individual care records, and the activities records have been completed on an ad hoc basis. The activities records should be kept up to date. One service user commented on how good the food was, especially the puddings, whilst another service user said that they liked the cooked breakfast, and also said that they could choose what they wished to eat. The menus offered variety and choice, and the food preferences and diets were also taken into consideration. When a service user has a variation to the menu the variation should be recorded, as the records would show that individual needs are catered for, and also should there be an outbreak of food poisoning then the food served that day could be traced. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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 - 18 Service users and their relatives and friends can be confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ rights to participate in the political process are upheld. Service users are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints procedure that is located in the service users’ guide and displayed in the entrance foyer to the home. The procedure should include the assurance that complaints will be responded to within a maximum of 28 days. There have not been any complaints since the last inspection. A large number of letters and thank you cards have been received and a sample of the comments include; “Thank you all for all the care you gave our mother.” “With grateful thanks for all the care you provided for mum in her recent stay.” “You are very much appreciated.” “ Sincere thank you to all staff for their dedication and kindness.” Service users were offered a postal vote at the recent election. There are procedures for the protection of adults, including whistle blowing, and all staff have had training in the protection of vulnerable adults. New staff have the training at induction. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 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 & 26 Generally the home is in a good state of repair and decorative condition, and service users’ individual needs are met in a comfortable and homely way. The premises are clean and systems are in place to control the spread of infection. EVIDENCE: Service users are encouraged to bring small items of furniture and memorabilia into the home. A number of bedrooms had been individualised with belongings, and reflected the personalities and tastes of the people living there. In the ground floor lounge/ dining area, new chairs, dining room furniture and carpets had been recently purchased, and further furniture has been ordered. Bathroom 1 to 6 - The painted walls were showing signs of wear and should be redecorated. The premises are kept clean and staff have training in infection control. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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 - 29 The staffing levels and skill mix were sufficient to meet the number and needs of service users. By the end of December 2005, there will be a minimum ratio of 50 of care staff having an NVQ level 2 or equivalent. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. EVIDENCE: There was a sufficient number and skill mix of staff on duty to care for the number of service users in the home. There are two care staff vacancies of which the home are advertising, and in the interim period the shifts are covered by the companies bank of staff, or an agency is used and the same staff are requested to ensure continuity of care. 41 of care staff have achieved an NVQ level 2, or equivalent, and the company plan to meet the recommended standard of 50 of staff having the qualification by the end of December 2005. In relation to recruitment, the staff files contained the relevant information and documentation. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 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) 33 & 38 The home is run in the service users best interest. EVIDENCE: Feedback is actively sought from service users and their family and friends about services provided through anonymous satisfaction questionnaires, and the latest results of the questionnaires are included in the service user’s guide. The regulations state that the registered provider must produce a written report on monthly visits to the home, on the conduct of the care home, and send a copy of the report to the Commission. The reports have not been received since May 2003. This request is a legal requirement and failure to comply may lead to further action being taken by the Commission. Staff have attended fire drills and lectures, however the names of the staff on duty when drills had been carried out had not been recorded. The manager should ensure that all staff attend two drills per year and that the names of the staff, and any action taken are recorded. LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 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 x x 3 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 2 13 3 14 x 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 1 x x x x x x 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 3 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 2 3 3 x x 1 x x x x 2 LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 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 33 Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 11th June 2005 2. 19.5 26.The registered provider shall (4)(c)&(5) supply a copy of the report required to be made under paragraph (4)(c ) to- (5)(a) the Commission THE REPORTS HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED SINCE September 2003. Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to further action being taken. 23.- (4) The work in Schedule 1 of the fire safety officers report must be completed. 30th September 2005 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. 3. Refer to Standard 12.3 15 16.2 Good Practice Recommendations The manger is advised to keep the activities records in with the service users care records, and complete the record on a daily basis. Where a service user receives a variation to the menu the variation should be recorded. The registered person should ensure that the home has a complaints procedure which specifies how complaints may be made and who will deal with them, with an ASSURANCE J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 LINSON COURT 4. 5. 28.1 38.2 that they will BE RESPONDED TO WITHIN A MAXIMUM OF 28 DAYS. A minimum ratio of 50 trained members of care staff to achieved an NVQ level 2 or equivalent, by 31st December, 2005. The registered manager should ensure that all staff have 2 fire drills per year (and that records are maintained of who attended). LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection Park View House Woodvale Office Park Woodvale Road Brighouse HD6 4AB 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 LINSON COURT J51J01_s1088_Linson Court_v229068_160605.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 - 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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