Inspection on 22/09/05 for Northern Counties

This inspection was carried out on 22nd 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.

Other inspections for this house

Northern Counties 16/03/07

Northern Counties 16/02/06

Northern Counties 23/11/04

Northern Counties 12/05/04

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 Northern Counties 36 Lancaster Road Birkdale Southport Merseyside PR8 2LE Lead Inspector Mrs Janet Marshall Unannounced Inspection 22nd September 2005 10:30 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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.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. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Northern Counties Address 36 Lancaster Road Birkdale Southport Merseyside PR8 2LE 01704 568019 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) mail@eventidehome.co.uk Northern Counties Management Commitee Ms Kathryn Gorton Care Home 31 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (31) of places Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service users to include up to 31 OP Date of last inspection 23rd November 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Eventide is a voluntary run Home providing 31 registered places for both male and female Service Users with strong Christian faith. The Home provides personal care; nursing care is provided directly through the district nursing services when required. The Registered Manager is Mr David Swan. The Registered Provider is Northern Counties Management Committee. The Home is situated in Southport close to the town centre and with access to public transport on the Liverpool Road. Eventide is situated over 4 floors, the ground and upper floors accessible by stairs and a passenger lift (there are no bedrooms on the lower/basement floor). The Home has 2 spacious lounges, 1 small “quiet” lounge and 1 dining room. Single and double accommodation is provided though at present the double rooms are being used as single rooms. The gardens at the front and rear of the building are well maintained and accessible for wheelchair users. A ramp with handrails is in place at the main entrance to the Home. There is car parking space to the front of the premises where the Home’s minibus is parked when not in use. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place over 4 hours. It was an unannounced visit and was carried out as part of the regulatory requirement for care homes to be inspected at least twice a year. There has been no cause for any visits to the home since the last routine inspection in November 2004. The requirements and recommendations from the last inspection report were discussed and checked with the deputy manager. They have all been met. A partial tour of the home was conducted. A selection of care records and other required records were inspected, they included a selection of residents care plans, daily diaries, medical notes, medication sheets, staff rotas and certificates of health and safety checks. The manager was not on duty, the deputy manager, residents, relatives and care staff were interviewed and their views obtained. Four residents were ‘case tracked’. Case tracking means that the inspector concentrates on the care given and experiences of one or more residents to ensure that the persons needs are recorded in their care plan and are being met. The residents involved in this process were very helpful they talked about their care plans and experiences at the home. What the service does well: The service benefits from a manager who is open, positive and inclusive. Residents and relatives spoken with were very complimentary of the staff and manager who they see as very hard working and supportive at all times. Care practices and the administration of records and policies that were seen are of a very good standard. One relative spoken to was very pleased for the level of support offered following a recent admission and felt this was very personal to their relative. The health and personal care needs of residents are well met. Care staff are prompt to report any problems as they arise and senior staff are good at assessing and planning care and making any medical referrals if needed. There is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the home. Staff ensure that opportunities for activities are provided for residents on a daily basis. Those interviewed were pleased that activities are offered even though not all join in. Residents enjoy meal times and staff provide the right level of support for residents who need assistance. All areas of the home are furnished and decorated to a very high standard. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.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. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.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): 1&3 A good information pack is available at the home so that prospective service users are able to make an informed choice about living there. Before admission prospective residents visit and try out the home so that they can make a positive choice about living there. There was a good standard of assessments enabling the home to be sure of meeting residents care needs. EVIDENCE: An information pack, which was available at the front entrance of the home, was viewed. It included a copy of the homes Statement of Purpose and Residents Guide. There is a lot of information about the home including a description of the services and facilities available. Information about trial visits for prospective residents was available within the Statement of Purpose it clearly described the process that the home follows for introducing new residents. One newly admitted resident who was case tracked confirmed that she was given a lot of information about the home and visited on several occasions before making a decision to live there. A relative of another resident who was visiting the home said that assessments were Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 carried out and information about the home was most useful. Another resident who was recently admitted to the home said that ‘everybody made her very welcome’. Care records inspected contained assessment details completed by the home. The assessments contained information gained prior to admission and included further professional assessments by social workers and other community care professionals. Staff on duty were able to describe the care needs of residents. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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): 7, 8, 9 & 10 The health and personal care needs of resident’s are understood and are well met. Information about residents health and personal care is well recorded which ensures that their care needs are understood and fully met. Medication and records are well kept to ensure the protection of residents. Personal support is carried out in a sensitive and flexible way to ensure the privacy and dignity of residents at all times. EVIDENCE: Four residents who were case tracked had available individual plans of care, which identify relevant aspects of health and personal care and plan accordingly. Residents who have diabetic conditions for example have care needs identified on the care plan and relevant entries made in the daily notes monitoring the care. Mobility needs are well assessed and planned for as well as nutritional requirements. Resident interviewed described routine visits for health checkups, which are recorded in, care files. Medication recording was clear. Staff were aware of the personal care needs and individual routines of residents. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 There is therefore a good understanding of the medical, and personal care needs of residents. Care files contain evidence that residents and or their representatives are routinely consulted when drawing up the care plans and those residents and relatives interviewed said that they had been fully involved in putting together plans of care. This ensures that that all individual needs are identified and addressed consistently. Since the last inspection a new transportable medication trolley has been bought for the home. A senior member of staff was seen appropriately administering and recording medication at lunchtime. Medication record sheets that were seen had a clear photograph of each resident. Records also showed the date, quantity of medicine received in the building and signature of qualified staff responsible for receipt of them All residents interviewed felt that staff were very respectful of their right to privacy describing them as ‘very polite’ and ‘helpful’. They also said that staff always knock on doors before entering rooms. Other comments made by residents included, ‘Staff are very nice’, ‘everybody are kind and very respectful’, when staff help me with personal care they are very helpful and respectful’. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 12, 13 & 15 Residents are involved in activities that match their lifestyle, wishes and needs. Meal times and social activities are both well managed and help create a varied and positive day for the residents in the home. Residents are encouraged to maintain contact with their family and friends, consequently preventing isolation. EVIDENCE: Information about activities provided by the home was on display. Residents interviewed commented that they particularly enjoyed taking part in the activities as this gave opportunity to socialise. One resident said how much she enjoys a knitting and exercise session which she takes part in each week. Other residents said that they enjoy going out at their leisure. On the day of the inspection several of the female residents attended a ladies meeting which takes place in the local community. Religious interests are particularly important to the residents who during discussion gave examples of how well the home accommodates and supports their beliefs. The information included in care plans provides information about the interests, hobbies and social preferences of residents. All of the residents spoken to commented on the food and were appreciative of the quality of the meals provided. One resident said that ‘the food is always very good’ another resident said that ‘I’m fussy, but I like the food, there is Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 always a choice and an alternative if I don’t like what is on the menu’. Residents were unanimous in their view that the food is always well presented and served hot. The midday meal was sampled it was good in quantity, tasty and well presented. Mealtime arrangements are flexible with residents eating in the main dining room, lounges and also in their bedroom if they wished. Although most residents ate their lunch in the main dining room some were seen eating their meal in the lounge or their bedroom. Visitors were seen at the home at intervals during the inspection. Those spoken with said that they visit at any time, although they try to avoid visiting at meals times. Visitors were seen in residents rooms. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 16 & 18 There were no recorded complaints since the last inspection. Residents were confident that their concerns or complaints would be listened to and acted upon. Safeguards were in place to protect the people living in the home from abuse. EVIDENCE: A complaints procedure was viewed at the home. The procedure includes details about the action and timescales involved in the process, it also included details of the Commission for Social Care and Inspection (CSCI). The complaint record showed that no complaints had been made since the last inspection. Residents spoken with had no concerns about the service and said that if they did they would be confident in approaching the staff should any arise. A number of policies and procedures were in place to protect the safety, health and welfare of residents including a Protection of Vulnerable Adults Procedure (POVA), which clearly describes what action, must be taken in response to suspicion or evidence of abuse. Staff records showed that they have undertaken Protection of Vulnerable Adults training, Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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, 24, & 26 The home was clean, tidy and maintained to a very good standard providing a comfortable and safe environment for the people who live there, however the safety of some residents could be put at risk by the practice used for cleaning equipment. Cleaning timetables and routines were in place to ensure that a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene is maintained at all times. EVIDENCE: Residents and relatives spoken to were pleased with the standard of the décor and fittings in the home. Residents were able to describe and display their own belongings and furnishings they had brought in which, as one resident commented ‘ helps me feel more at home’. Telephones were seen in some residents bedrooms. Residents were observed using all communal areas of the home. Residents interviewed said that they are happy with all aspects of the home. The communal areas of the home and residents bedrooms that were seen were all Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 furnished and decorated to a very high standard and were all clean and hygienic. One resident commented on how clean the home is kept at all times. Since the last inspection many parts of the home have been redecorated and refurbished to a high standard, those areas include: • • • • • • • The visitors cloakroom near to the front entrance The main dining room The treatment room The staff sitting area The laundry room Residents bedrooms The kitchen Commode pots were seen soaking in a bath that the deputy manager said is not used by residents. This has the potential to put residents health and safety at risk. The deputy manager was advised to have a lock fitted to the bathroom door which must be kept locked at all times and to display an ‘out of use’ sign on the door. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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, 29 & 30 Staffing arrangements are appropriate ensuring that the needs of residents are met. Recruitment of staff to the home ensures the protection of residents Staff have completed the required training, so that they are skilled in what they do. EVIDENCE: Staff rotas that were looked at showed that there are sufficient numbers of staff on duty throughout the day and night to meet the needs of residents. There are three care staff and one senior carer on duty during the day and two waking staff and one senior sleeping –in each night. Resident’s interviewed where unanimous in their praise of the staff and said that they were very supportive and patient in their approach. Staff who were seen speaking and supporting residents supported this view. Staff files that were seen were very well organised and presented, they showed that all the necessary recruitment procedures are carried out before the home appoints new staff. A relative commented that the manager and staff had been most welcoming and supportive following the recent admission of her mother. Staff files showed that they are involved in an induction programme and that they complete other required training. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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, 32, 37 & 38 The manager has recently been registered by the commission, which ensures that the home is managed by a person fit to be in charge. The required Health and Safety checks have been carried out which ensures the safety of residents and staff. The homes Policies and Procedures protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and staff, however some were negated by the practice used for cleaning equipment which has the potential to put the health and safety of residents at risk. EVIDENCE: Residents and relatives spoke highly of the manager describing him as approachable and positive. Staff said that the manager and senior staff are very approachable and would support them if needed, for example if they had a particular issue concerning the care of a resident. Residents and a relative said that the staff are all very good. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 A Health and safety Manual was available at the home which include the required Polices and Procedures to protect the health safety and wellbeing of residents and staff, however some of these were negated by the practice described in the section of this report about the ‘Environment’. The manual is kept in the office, which is accessible to residents and staff. Certificates of safety checks and details of tests carried out on the environment were also seen. Other records that were seen were well kept and up to date. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 1 X 3 X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X 3 X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 X 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 X X X X 3 2 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 OP19 OP38 Regulation 12(1)(a) Requirement The manager must arrange to have a lock fitted to the bathroom door were commode pots are left to soak. The door must be kept locked at all times and an ‘out of use’ sign must be displayed on it. Timescale for action 31/10/05 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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Knowsley Local Office 2nd Floor, South Wing Burlington House Crosby Road North Liverpool L22 0LG 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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V253622.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 - 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. 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