Inspection on 27/02/06 for Northwood House

This inspection was carried out on 27th February 2006.

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

Northwood House 30/09/09

Northwood House 28/09/07

Northwood House 03/10/06

Northwood House 20/06/05

Northwood House 17/01/05

Northwood House 07/09/04

Northwood House 22/01/04

Similar services:

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Thorndene

Magenta

Seabourne House

33 St John`s Church Road

Dovedale Court

Lyncol House

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Northwood House 28 London Road Sittingbourne Kent ME10 1NA Lead Inspector Robert Pettiford Unannounced Inspection 27th February 2006 9:30 Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Adults 18-65. 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. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Northwood House Address 28 London Road Sittingbourne Kent ME10 1NA 01795 472464 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) Kent Assessment & Training Services (Swale) Limited Vacant Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7) registration, with number of places Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 20th June 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Home is a detached property with accommodation for service users on two floors with office/staff room accommodation in the third floor. The home is situated on the outskirts of Sittingbourne approximately 1 mile from the town centre providing access to shopping and all public amenities. The Home offers services for people with learning disabilities who may challenge the service. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced Inspection at Northwood House took place on 27th February 2006. The Inspector agreed and explained the inspection process with the manager who was present during the inspection. Documentation and records were read. A tour of premises was also undertaken and views and opinions of several service users. The focus of the inspection was to assess Northwood House in accordance to the National Minimum Standards for Younger Adults. In some instances the judgement of compliance was based solely on verbal responses given by those spoken with. As this report was made following an Unannounced visit and may not cover the standards in sufficient depth for the reader to make a judgment about the home, it is recommended that a copy of the last announced inspection report dated 20th June 2005 also be obtained. The home is registered for seven service users. Excluding the Manager, the Home employs full/part time care staff who work a rota which includes one staff member working at night on waking duty with a further staff member oncall sleeping at the neighbouring Home (Westdene) which is also owned by K.A.T.S. Ltd. A further senior staff member is available on-call in an emergency. In addition to care staff there is a staff member who undertakes cleaning duties. The Manager undertakes management of Westdene in addition to Northwood House. Northwood House and Westdene are homes situated on the same site and the administration arrangements are undertaken in Northwood House. Although both homes have defined staffing groups, staff from each of the homes have worked in the other home when required. Inspection of Northwood House was undertaken on the 27th February 2006, which is the subject of this report. What the service does well: It is evident through the inspector talking to members of staff that the emotional health of the service users is of a high priority to the home and that staff are pro-active in maintaining and supporting Service Users to participate and feel part of the wider community. Many service users spoken with confirmed that the staff are very caring and kind to them at all times. The inspector noted that staff spoke to the residents in a respectful and courteous manner. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 From evidence seen the training and development of staff is central to achieving the aims and objectives of Northwood House. 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. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Not inspected on this occasion. EVIDENCE: Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 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 The service users can be confident that their rights to make decisions about their lives is respected and they are consulted on, participate in, all aspects of life within the home. EVIDENCE: The inspector visited the home the service users were beginning their day and getting ready. It was evident that the service users make choices about their lives and are part of the decision process. A relaxed atmosphere was noted with the service users interacting with staff. The inspector found that staff had a genuine commitment in evolving the service user in the day to day running of the home and that it had a homely atmosphere. Staff were responsive and receptive to the service user’s input. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 17 The service users benefit from the appetising meals and balanced diet offered at the home. EVIDENCE: Service users from records viewed it was evident that service users were offered a choice of menus that meet their dietary needs and individual preferences. The inspector made some recommendations with regard to showing a clear choice on the menu and healthy options with regard to puddings. Meal times are flexible to suit the service users’ activities and schedules. Service users are able to choose where to eat, and also have facility to make drinks, meals and snacks for themselves and others. It was also requested that any limitation to access to food is agreed within a multi – disciplinary framework and highlighted within the care plan. Service users on evidence seen have had been involved in planning and choosing menus. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Not inspected on this occasion EVIDENCE: Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Not inspected on this occasion EVIDENCE: Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Not inspected on this occasion EVIDENCE: Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32,33,34,36 Service users’ care, social and emotional needs are promoted by the employment of caring and suitably trained and supervised staff. Service users are protected by the recruitment procedures within the home. EVIDENCE: From discussions with the manager, observations and reviewing the staff rotas sufficient staff were on duty at the time of inspection to meet the service users needs. The staff training records indicated planned and undertaken training. The manager evidenced that individual and group staff training needs had been identified. A wide range of training has been identified for all staff over and above core skills courses. First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health and Safety and other core courses are undertaken to maintain current qualifications and for protection of service users. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 The number of staff having attained or who are working towards attaining a relevant National Vocational Qualification demonstrate commitment to ensuring there is a suitably trained workforce. A copy of the induction programme was inspected. The topics reflected those set out by the National Training Organisation. The manager and the Registered Provider Company has encouraged a continuing development and training programme within Northwood House which has supported staff to attain a high level of training. Currently five staff have an NVQ Level III in Care, two have a NVQ Level II in Care and three are working towards. Therefore shortly out of a staff team of 13, 12 will have a NVQ Level III in Care. All staff receive structured induction training (within six weeks of appointment) and foundation training to Sector Skills Council specification (including training on the principles of care, safe working practice, the organisation and worker role, the experiences and particular need of the service user group, and the influenced and particular requirements of the service setting). The home is to be commended on the levels of training available within the home. Training and development are linked to the homes service aims and to service users needs and individual Plans. The home showed that it undertakes a recruitment practice including submission of an application form detailing all previous work history, requests proof of I.D and copies of qualification certificates, seeks two written references, confirms work status and also undertakes some telephone checks and retains all the information as required under schedule 2 of the Care Home Regulations 2001. The staff receive regular supervision with regard to translation of the homes philosophy and aims and objectives every 4-6 weeks. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. 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 are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 39,40 The service users can be confident that their views and opinions effect how the home is run and that their best interest are safeguarded by appropriate policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: The home has sought to monitor the quality of service provided by collating feedback from the services user and relatives. Regular monitoring is also undertaken by senior management under Regulation 26. The home also benefits from staff and one to one discussions with the service users and regular staff and service user meetings. This enables the service users and staff to contribute towards the running of the home. Staff assisting with the inspection stated that the trust has policies and procedures that form the basis of ensuring the safety of the staff and service user. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 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 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 x 23 x ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 x 25 x 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 x STAFFING Standard No Score 31 x 32 4 33 3 34 3 35 x 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x 3 3 x x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 x 12 x 13 x 14 x 15 x 16 x 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score x x x x x x 3 3 x x x Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 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 17 Good Practice Recommendations To ensure the menus reflect a clear choice and that any limitation to access to food is agreed within a multi – disciplinary framework and highlighted within the care plan. Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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 Northwood House DS0000023981.V283779.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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