Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 28/09/05 for Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home

Also see our care home review for Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 28th September 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

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 continues to meet residents` needs with respect, and to provide them with a safe, comfortable environment. Menus are varied and the inspector saw the main meal being served with regard to individual wishes. Visitors are welcome at the home the inspector has observed a good rapport between visitors and the provider/manager. The rotas show that Mr and Mrs Chumun are on duty most days, as well as three care staff, a cleaner and a cook. Staff undertake relevant training, and some staff who had recently completed a Dementia Awareness course, told the inspector how much they enjoyed the course.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The provider has fitted fly screens in the kitchen, which were recommended by the Environmental Health Officer. Five bedrooms have been decorated, and there are plans for five more to be decorated by Christmas.

What the care home could do better:

Staff recruitment files were not as accurate as they should be, and one showed that a new staff member had started work before the second reference was received. This report says that the relevant checks must be carried out prior to new staff working at the home.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home 46 New Brighton Road Emsworth Hampshire PO10 7QR Lead Inspector Beverley Rand Unannounced Inspection 28th September 2005 11:40 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 Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.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. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home Address 46 New Brighton Road Emsworth Hampshire PO10 7QR 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) 01243 372 155 Mr Hemraj Chumun Mr Hemraj Chumun Care Home 22 Category(ies) of Dementia (22), Dementia - over 65 years of age registration, with number (22), Mental Disorder, excluding learning of places disability or dementia - over 65 years of age (22), Old age, not falling within any other category (22) Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 20th April 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Merok House is a detached property in the suburban area of Emsworth. There is a car park at the front of the house. The rear of the house has a well maintained garden, with flower borders, trees, vegetable patches, furniture and a summerhouse. Residents are encouraged to grow plants and vegetables in the garden. The home offers personal care and accommodation for up to 22 service users within the categories of mental disorder and dementia, over the age of 65 years. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection was the second unannounced inspection of the year and took place over four hours. The inspector spoke with one resident, staff and Mr and Mrs Chumun. As the majority of residents have communication difficulties, the inspector observed interactions between staff and residents. The inspector also looked at records such as staff files and menus. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Staff recruitment files were not as accurate as they should be, and one showed that a new staff member had started work before the second reference was received. This report says that the relevant checks must be carried out prior to new staff working at the home. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.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 Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.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): These standards were not assessed. EVIDENCE: Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.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 & 10 The manager ensures that residents are protected by the home’s policies and procedures. Staff ensure that privacy and dignity is maintained. EVIDENCE: The inspector spoke with staff who described the correct procedure for giving medication to residents. They also said how they would monitor the situation if residents refused their medication. The records showing whether medication had been given were seen to be in order. The pharmacy makes up individual boxes for the week, which means it is easy for staff to see if they have given the medication or not. The inspector sampled three boxes and found that the number of tablets remaining in the boxes, was appropriate for the day of the week. Staff are able to decide whether they feel able to give medication or not, and those who do have had in house training from the provider, who is a registered nurse. Eight staff have undertaken an eight week distance learning course on administrating drugs. Staff gave the inspector examples as to how they maintained privacy and dignity for residents. Examples included ensuring that curtains were closed; doors were shut; only a resident’s top or bottom half was un-covered at any Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 time; encouraging residents to undertake personal care that they could do; and what they wanted to wear, which perfume, etc. Residents can stay in their own rooms if they wish, as well as take their meals there. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.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): 13, 14 & 15 The manager ensures that visitors are welcome and that residents can bring their own possessions into the home. The staff ensure that food is appealing, and that appropriate support is given to residents to enjoy their food. EVIDENCE: The visitors book demonstrates that people visit the home, and the inspector saw visitors on the day of the inspection. Staff said that visitors were welcome at any time and that they would respect the residents’ wishes if they did not want to see someone. Service users can handle their own financial affairs if able to do so. They can also bring their own possessions to the home and see their records if they wish. One resident had moved bedrooms to one which met their changing needs, and the furniture (which belonged to the home) also changed bedrooms. The same resident also has some furniture and ornaments of their own. The manager provided the inspector with sample menus, which appeared varied and included a second choice at lunchtime, if residents preferred. On the day of the inspection, the main meal was roast chicken, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and three vegetables. The inspector watched the dinner Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 being served and saw that each meal was dished up for an individual, which meant that some people preferred mashed potatoes to roast, some needed the chicken to be liquidised, etc. Diabetic needs are catered for and the menu shows a range of sugar free desserts. One resident who was asked said that they had enjoyed their lunch. Residents can choose to eat in the bedrooms if they wish. One resident is fed by a staff member, and strategies are in place to ensure that if residents wander away from the table between courses, they return to eat dessert. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): These standards were not assessed. EVIDENCE: Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): These standards were not assessed. EVIDENCE: Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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, 28, 29 & 30 The provider ensures that residents’ needs are met by skilled and trained staff, but the recruitment procedures would benefit from being better recorded. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection there were three care staff, one cleaner and one cook. Mr and Mrs Chumun were also at the home, and spend a great deal of time there. The home also employs a gardener. Rotas showed that this pattern is consistently maintained. The provider continues to promote NVQ2 training for staff and eight out of sixteen staff have achieved this. Three are due to start in October. The inspector looked at recruitment files for three new staff members. The provider undertakes Protection of Vulnerable Adult checks and records the date of completion on the file. Two of the files showed that the POVA check was completed prior to the staff beginning work. One file had both references in place prior to the person starting work, one had one in place, with the other one being obtained over the telephone, three days after they started work. The third file belonged to someone who had subsequently left, contained one reference and no details regarding the POVA check. The provider said that he was sure that both had been there originally. Staff who are new to the work undertake a structured induction course, which they begin about four weeks into their employment. A new staff member told Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 the inspector that they initially shadowed other staff and were told the basics about fire safety, the needs of the residents etc. Five staff have completed the Dementia Awareness course, and the inspector spoke with some of the staff during the inspection: they felt that it was a really good course. A further five are booked to start in the near future. Ten staff, including the provider, are currently undertaking a distance learning course in Food Safety, and were sitting an exam on the day of the inspection. Eight staff have recently completed an eight week distance learning course on Drug Administration. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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, 33, 35 & 38 The provider continues his professional development and daily involvement so that residents can live in a well run and safe home which meets their needs. EVIDENCE: The manager has nearly completed the Registered Managers Award, which he has been studying at college. He has many years experience in the field of health and social care, and is a Registered General Nurse, a Registered Mental Nurse and a Community Psychiatric Nurse, and he has maintained ‘live’ registration in all categories. He also has a Certificate in Education, (enabling him to teach/train), a Diploma in Sociology and Health Policy, and a Masters degree in Mental Health. He has undertaken core training such as Infection Control, Manual Handling Trainer, Food Hygiene, First Aid and Fire Safety. During inspections, the inspector has observed the manager to be knowledgeable about the residents, interact appropriately with residents and healthcare professionals and be approached easily by relatives. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 The home does not look after money for any resident. The provider does not have a formal quality assurance system in place, but is currently working on this as a module in the Registered Managers Award. Once his assignment has been completed he plans to implement the resulting survey. The provider and his wife work in the home nearly every day, on a ‘hands on’ basis, which means that they regularly speak with residents and relatives. The provider also makes reference to a Quality Management System resource file which he has purchased. Up to date maintenance certificates were available for the central heating, the lift, etc. The hoists are maintained by the NHS, as they are on loan to the home. The Environmental Health Officer visited in March this year and recommended a certain type of fly screen to be fitted to kitchen windows: the provider has fitted these. Staff have updated training in Fire Safety. The inspector noted that a path to the side of the house was covered in moss and obstructed by hanging branches from a tree. The provider thanked the inspector for bringing this to his attention, and made assurances that the path would be cleared within the next two weeks. Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 X X X X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 X 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 X 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 X 18 X X X X X X X X X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 2 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Standard OP29 Regulation 19 (1)(b)(i) Requirement Two references and other relevant checks must be in place before a staff member begins work at the home. Timescale for action 15/11/05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hampshire Office 4th Floor Overline House Blechynden Terrace Southampton SO15 1GW 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 Merok House Rest And Convalescent Home DS0000012208.V253414.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 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!