Inspection on 18/05/05 for New Milton House

This inspection was carried out on 18th May 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.

Other inspections for this house

New Milton House 02/05/06

New Milton House 16/12/05

New Milton House 07/10/04

New Milton House 29/04/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 09/07/2008.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE New Milton House Station Road Alsager Stoke On Trent ST7 2PB Lead Inspector Bronwyn Kelly Unannounced 18 May 2005 09.30 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. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service New Milton House Address Station Road Alsager Stoke ON Trent ST7 2PB 01270 874422 01270 884191 www.clsgroup.org CLS Care Services Limited 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) Mrs Helen Palin Care Home 41 Category(ies) of OP Old Age (41) registration, with number of places New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1 This home is registered for a maximum of 41 service users in the category of OP (old age not falling within any other category). 2 The registered provider must, at all times, employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Date of last inspection 7th October 2004 Brief Description of the Service: New Milton House is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for 40 older people. The home is owned by CLS Care Services, a not for profit organisation that manages a number of homes in the northwest region New Milton House is situated in the small town of Alsager, and is part of the local community. There are shops, a library, doctors surgery and a bus stop close by. The home is next to a local park. New Milton House is a two-storey building, and was purpose built approximately thirty years ago. Two passenger lifts are available for access to the first floor. Residents’ accommodation consists of 40 single bedrooms, one of which can be used as a double room if required. Communal facilities include four lounges and a dining room, providing a choice of sitting areas. There is access to a garden area with seats, benches and sun shades provided for the warmer weather. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place over seven hours on one day. A tour of the building took place, and with the permission of the residents, a number of bedrooms were seen. Seven residents were spoken with privately and each agreed to answer questions and complete a comment card with assistance. Group discussions with residents also took place in the lounges. Three visiting relatives and a GP were spoken with during the inspection. The views of three care staff, one care team leader and the manager were also listened to. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? There were concerns at the previous inspection in October 2004 about the number of staff vacancies that were proving difficult to fill and the number of agency staff being used. This had been very unsettling for residents. Since then, a number of new staff are in post and the situation has improved, although not fully resolved yet. Training for staff in fire prevention has improved since the last inspection, providing a safer environment for residents. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 2 and 5 Information is provided so that all residents and/or their relatives know what their rights and responsibilities are whilst living in the home. Residents and their families are encouraged to visit New Milton House to help them decide whether to move in. EVIDENCE: All residents are given a copy of the terms and conditions of living at the home. This is in response to a recommendation made at the last inspection. Two residents spoken with confirmed that they had been to look at New Milton House with their family prior to moving into the home. Staff said that some residents stay for coffee, others for a meal and some have been able to stay for longer periods while making a decision about moving in permanently. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 7, 8 and 10 The care plans show what staff need to do to meet every residents’ care needs. There good multi disciplinary working taking place regularly to ensure the health care needs of residents are met. EVIDENCE: Four residents’ plans of care were seen and each clearly showed what staff need to do to meet all their needs. They were well written, up to date and reviewed on a regular basis. This ensured that residents’ changing needs were always recorded in the plans of care. One visiting GP from a local surgery was spoken with. She was very happy with the care given to her patients in the home. Residents spoken with confirmed that the doctor was called in promptly when they felt unwell. The care plans showed that residents have regular visits from a chiropodist, dentist and optician. Referrals are made to other health care specialists as and when required. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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 and 15 The activities available do not meet the individual needs and choices of all residents. The dietary needs of residents are well catered for with a balanced and varied selection of food that meets residents’ tastes and choices. EVIDENCE: A variety of activities are provided by a part time activities co-ordinator. Examples are bingo, reminiscence, quizzes, discussions and visiting entertainers. Residents spoken with said there has “not been a lot happening recently” as the co-ordinator has been filling in for absent care colleagues. The manager confirmed that this had happened on occasions to cover for staff vacancies and sickness. One resident said, “There is not enough to keep me occupied”. Seven residents’ comment cards were completed during the inspection, and in reply to the question “Does the home provide suitable activities?” six replied “sometimes” and one “no”. There is no information available to residents about what activities are available. In response to the question “Do you like the food?” all seven residents replied “yes”. The cook confirmed that she is able to meet individual needs and preferences regarding food. Special diets are also catered for. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 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 The home has a satisfactory complaints procedure and a ‘comment card’ system, ensuring that any concerns of residents or their families are dealt with promptly. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is available in the service user’s guide and a copy is displayed in the entrance hall. Information regarding how to contact the CSCI is also displayed. One visitor spoken with said the staff are very approachable and welcome any discussions and communication regarding the residents. Another visitor said that communication between staff and families is good. The majority of residents spoken with said they knew who to talk to if they had any concerns. The Commission for Social Care Inspection has not received any complaints about New Milton House in the last twelve-month period. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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, 25 & 26 The standard of the décor and furnishings in New Milton House is generally good, although some areas of the home would benefit from improvement to provide a more homely environment for residents. EVIDENCE: The home has a maintenance programme in place to ensure that redecoration and refurbishment takes place when required. There is a new carpet for the dining room on order at present. Five residents were happy to let their bedrooms be seen. Of these, one had a bedroom window that would not stay open due to a broken catch and another had window frames that had most of the paint peeled off, exposing bare metal. Residents spoken with said they liked their bedrooms and were pleased that they could have some of their own belongings from home with them. Shared areas of the home consist of one large dining room, three lounges and a conservatory/lounge area. The three lounges are comfortable and homely, but not well used. The majority of residents sit in the conservatory lounge. Consequently, this room looks very overcrowded. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 The chairs are very close together with no room for sufficient coffee tables. This means that most residents are not able to put cups down while having a drink of tea. Some residents are sat facing the back of the television, and others in front of cupboard doors. On the day of inspection, one wheelchair user who was visiting for day care had to sit in the middle of the floor area, as there was no space elsewhere in the room. Discussions have taken place in the past between staff and residents to try and resolve this overcrowding, but without success. Some residents are still unhappy with the situation and comments from residents include: • “I get a stiff neck trying to see TV” • “It’s noisy sat behind the TV” • “Not enough coffee tables” • “Very cramped” One family of visitors spoken with also commented on the crowded conservatory lounge. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 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 numbers of staff deployed on each shift is adequate to meet the needs of the residents. The procedures for the recruitment of staff are thorough, offering protection to people living in the home. EVIDENCE: Some residents commented that there seemed to be a shortage of staff. There are three posts being covered by ‘bank’ or agency staff at present due to vacancies and long term sickness. Recruitment is taking place to fill the vacancies. The manager tries to ensure that the same bank staff are employed to enable continuity of care for the residents. Both visitors to the home and residents spoken with said the staff group were very caring and friendly. They were seen to communicate with residents in a sensitive and caring manner. The staff files of the two most recent employees were checked, and two references and evidence of CRB checks were seen. However, one CRB result was not on file, even though the employee started work in February this year. Checking procedures for this should be in place to protect residents. A recent new member of the care staff confirmed that she took part in a twoweek induction at the beginning of her employment, and has taken part in various in-house training courses since then. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 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 & 38 Another change of manager is imminent and this is likely to be unsettling for both staff and residents. Regular staff training in health and safety matters ensures the safety and welfare of residents and staff. EVIDENCE: The present manager has a new job and is due to leave New Milton House at the end of May 2005. This is the third change of manager in the last eighteen months for residents and staff. Health and safety matters in the home are given good attention. On the day of inspection, a group of care staff were taking part in moving and handling training provided by the manager. Training in fire safety is up to date and all care team leaders have completed training in first aid. This ensures a safe environment for residents. New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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 3 x x 3 x 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 x 14 x 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 2 x x x x x 2 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 x 29 2 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 2 x x x x x x 3 New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 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. 2. Standard 19 25 Regulation 23 23 Requirement Timescale for action 30/09/05 Window frames must be in good working order and reasonably decorated. The communal space provided 30/09/05 for residents must be suitable for their needs. 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 12 Good Practice Recommendations The views of all residents regarding interests and activities should be sought and planned accordingly. Information about what is available should also be provided to residents. Systems should be in place to ensure that CRB disclosure certificates are all in place. 2. 29 New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Unit D, Off Rudheath Way Gadbrook Park Northwich Cheshire CW9 7LT 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 New Milton House F51 F01 S6507 New Milton House V226907 180505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 - 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!