Inspection on 02/05/06 for Sandstones

This inspection was carried out on 2nd May 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

Other inspections for this house

Sandstones 30/11/05

Sandstones 25/08/05

Sandstones 26/01/05

Sandstones 07/10/04

Sandstones 08/02/04

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 Sandstones 9 Penkett Road Wallasey Wirral CH45 7QF Lead Inspector Inger Moynihan Key Unannounced Inspection 2nd May 2006 10:00 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 Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.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 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. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Sandstones Address 9 Penkett Road Wallasey Wirral CH45 7QF 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) 0151 691 1449 sharon.blackwell@anchor.org Anchor Trust Ms Julie Harwood Care Home 35 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (35) of places Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 30th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Sandstones is a purpose built property owned by The Anchor Trust. It was registered to accommodate and provide residential care for 35 older people. The home is close to Liscard town centre and New Brighton. A bus terminal in Liscard gives easy access to other parts of the Wirral and Liverpool. Accommodation is provided in single occupancy flat-lets, this being bed-sitting rooms with a fridge and snack making facility. All of the rooms have an ensuite facility comprising of a hand wash basin and toilet. On the ground floor there is an open plan communal area which comprises of a lounge/dining area. There is a smaller room sitting off the lounge were service users may sit if they wish privacy. This area is not however, a separate room. There are two toilet facilities on the ground floor provided for people with mobility needs. There are four bathrooms and a shower facility. The home is furnished and decorated to a high standard throughout. There is a garden at the front of the home but not at the back. There are no parking restrictions within the immediate vicinity of the home. Security lighting has been installed around the building. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place over five hours and was the statutory unannounced inspection for 2006/2007. Discussions were held with the service users about their experience of living at Sandstones; the views of their family were also obtained. Discussion was also held with the registered manager and the staff team about the way the care is provided and the management and daily working practices of the home. Service users case files and supporting documentation was examined and a tour of the home took place. An important part of the inspection process includes obtaining service users and their relatives’ views on the standard of care provided by way of questionnaires. A number of questionnaires were given to service users and relatives and comments made in these questionnaires as well as from direct discussion are included in this report and contribute to the basis of any judgments made. What the service does well: Service users are only admitted into the home on the basis of a full assessment which ensures staff can provide the appropriate package of care. Service users health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. This helps to direct the staff to in support service users effectively. Efficient systems are in place to promote service users good health. The service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed they felt well cared for with the staff attending to their changing health care needs appropriately. One relative spoken to during the inspection stated I have every confidence in the staff team Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. A range of social activities were provided to ensure service users are stimulated and their interests promoted. Service users can maintain contact with their family and friends at any time. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control in all aspects of their lives. The service users spoken to during inspection confirmed the routines in Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 the home are flexible and they can go about their day as they wish. The service users said they liked this aspect of the home as this meant they could see their family and friends when they wanted to and they could go about their day without restrictions. A varied and nutritious diet is provided to ensure service users interest and good health. One of the service users stated the food is beautiful and I always have plenty to eat. However a couple of service users did comment that the fact that the food offered was rather repetitive. Service users are confident their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. The service users spoken to during the inspection knew whom to contact if they wished to make a complaint. They praised the staff team for their hard work and said they were completely satisfied with the standard of care they received; none of the service users had any complaints to make. Service users comments included the staff are lovely, they are always very helpful and very kind. Systems are in place to ensure service users are protected from abuse. One service user spoken to said the staff are very kind and caring with another stating I feel very safe living at Sandstones The standard of the decor at Sandstones remains very high and provides a comfortable and pleasant environment for service users to live. Service users needs are met by the number and skill mix of staff. The home has thorough recruitment procedures to ensure service users are cared for by suitably qualified and competent staff. A range of appropriate training is provided to ensure staff know how to care for the service users in accordance with good practice. The service users spoken to during the inspection praised the staff team for their kind and caring nature and confirmed their needs were fully met. The registered manager is qualified, competent and experienced to mange the home. All of the service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed Mrs Harwood was always available for support. The relatives of some service users were spoken to during the inspection. They too spoke well of Mrs Harwood and said she provided a good standard of care. Quality assurance monitoring is in place to ensure the home is run for service users best interests. Systems are in place to ensure service users financial interests are safeguarded. The health safety and welfare of the service users is promoted throughout the home. What has improved since the last inspection? Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 Since the last inspection improvement have been made to the care planning and assessment documentation and the care staffing levels which further improves the quality of the standard of care. 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. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 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 Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 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): 3 and 6 The quality in this outcome area is good. The admissions process for prospective service users is thorough which ensures staff can provide the appropriate package of care. All aspects of equality and diversity need to be explicitly addressed in the assessment process to ensure service users specific care requirements are met. Intermediate care is not provided at this service. EVIDENCE: Service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed their needs are fully met and they are happy with the way they were looked after. Examination of documentation relating to the assessment process indicated that a range of appropriate issues relating to service users care needs had been assessed and staff confirmed they had access to this information to ensure they know how to care for the service users in accordance with their particular needs. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 The issue of equality and diversity was discussed with the registered manager and it was agreed that this issue was not explicitly addressed during the assessment process. To ensure service user specific care requirements in relation to their race, disability, gender, age, religion and sexuality are addressed, the registered person is required to ensure all aspects of equality and diversity are explicitly incorporated into the assessment process. The registered manager stated that she was not aware that any service users had specific care requirements in relation to these issues with the exception of disability, gender and age which had already been addressed. The registered manager went on to explain that new documentation relating to the assessment procedures was soon to be introduced into the home and she was confident the issue of equality and diversity would be explicitly addressed. She also stated that the Anchor Trust organisation is in the process of updating all staff training in this aspect of care provision. Intermediate care is not provided as Sandstones. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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 and 10 The quality in this outcome area is good. Service users health, personal and social care needs are well set out in an individual plan of care. Issues of equality and diversity need to be explicitly addressed in the care planning process to ensure service users specific care requirements are met. Efficient systems are in place to ensure service users good health. Some improvements need to be made to the medication administration procedures currently in place to ensure service users are not inadvertently put at risk. Service users are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. EVIDENCE: A plan of the care provided to each service user has been drawn up in the form of a lifestyle agreement. This lifestyle agreement provides staff with the information they need on how to meet service users needs. The lifestyle Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 agreement covers a range of relevant issues and documentation was in place to indicate this information had been reviewed with appropriate changes being made. The documentation in place did not explicitly address issues of equality and diversity such as age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexuality. The registered manager explained that a new care planning system was soon to be introduced into the home and although she had not seen the documentation, she understood issues of equality and diversity were explicitly addressed. The registered manager anticipated this new documentation would be in place by the end of July 2006. It is important that the issue of equality and diversity are explicitly addressed in service users care plans to ensure their specific needs are met in relation to their age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexuality. The service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed they felt well cared for with the staff attending to their changing health care needs appropriately. Questionnaires returned to the CSCI by the service users indicated they always receive the care and support they needed. The family members of a number of service users were spoken to as part of the inspection and they said they felt their relatives were well cared for and had no concerns to raise. One family member stated I have every confidence in the staff team Documentation was in place to indicate service users health care is monitored daily and service users have access to a range of relevant health care professionals such as their GP, district nurse and chiropodist. The service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed the staff responded promptly to their health care needs and they saw their GP when necessary. The questionnaires returned to the CSCI by the service users indicated they always received the medical support they need. The family members of a number of service users were spoken to. They confirmed they were very happy with the way their parents were being looked after. One relatives stated I am always kept informed of any changes that are made to my mothers health care. Another relative stated the staff were very helpful and I believe my father is well cared for. I think Sandstones is a marvellous home. Efficient systems are in place for the safekeeping and handling of service users’ medication and only trained staff are allowed to administer medication. The senior member of staff conducting the inspection at this point confirmed staff have access to the policy and procedure in relation to this aspect of care provision. Safe facilities are in place for the storage of service users medication and all of the service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed they received their medication as prescribed by their GP. One aspect of the medication administration needed to be addressed to ensure the service user received the correct level of medication; this issue was addressed Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 by the end of the inspection. To ensure all information kept in relation to the service users is accurately maintained, all information must be stored in a way that can be easily accessed and in a streamlined fashion. The registered person agreed to address this issue immediately. The senior members of staff conducting the inspection at this point stated that sometimes, and increasingly more often, service users medication can be changed by the GP over the telephone. However no detailed procedure or policy was in place in relation to how this situation should be managed. In the light of this situation, the registered person is required to provide staff with detailed guidance on the action they should take when a GP changes a service users medication over the phone because they are unable to visit them at the home. All of the service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed the staff always treat them with respect and dignity and they are always polite and friendly. They confirmed they saw their GP in private and could maintain social contact with relatives and friends. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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, 14 and 15 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. A good range of social activities are provided to support service users interests and to provide mental stimulation. Service users can maintain contact with their family and friends at any time. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control in all aspects of their lives. Some changes need to be made to the menu planning to ensure service users interest and good health. EVIDENCE: The service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed a range of social activities is provided in the home, which they can participate in if they wish. Some of the service users said they did not wish to become involved in these activities and were happy the staff respected their decision. The questionnaires returned to the CSCI from the service users indicated that activities are provided although comments included that they were only sometimes and usually provided. The issue of the lack of social activities Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 was also raised in the homes own customer satisfaction questionnaire. In the light of these comments the registered person is required to develop and improve this aspect of care provision. The service users spoken to during inspection confirmed the routines in the home are flexible and they can go about their day as they wish. The service users said they liked this aspect of the home as this meant they could see their family and friends when they wanted to and they could go about their day without restrictions. The relatives of a couple of service users were spoken to during the inspection and they confirmed they could visit the home at any time and that the staff were flexible in meeting their relatives care needs. Information relating to the different agencies service users can contact for advice and help was clearly displayed. The registered manager stated that none of the service users had dietary needs in relation to issues around diversity such as they cultural or religious beliefs. The cook confirmed that service users medical dietary needs are included in the menu planning. Most of the service users spoken to during inspection service they thoroughly enjoyed the food provided and confirmed there was always plenty to eat and drink and a choice was always available. The service users confirmed they were consulted regularly on how the menus could be improved to ensure a more varied diet. One of the service users stated the food is beautiful and I always have plenty to eat. However a couple of service users did comment that the food was rather repetitive. This issue was discussed with the cook who explained that the four week menu currently in place had been running for about six months. In light of the length of time this menu had been in place, it was agreed that he would look to introduce a more varied menu to reflect service users likes and dislikes. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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 and 18 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. Service users are confident their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Systems are in place to ensure service users are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home’s complaint procedure is displayed along with other information on the different agencies service users can contact if they are unhappy about any aspect of the care provided. The CSCI address was easily available for service users and their relatives if they wish to make a complaint. The home should be commended on the approach they take with regard to this issue. The service users spoken to during the inspection knew who to contact if they wished to make a complaint. They praised the staff team for their hard work and said they were completely satisfied with the standard of care they received; none of the service users had any complaints to make. Service users comments included the staff are lovely they are always very helpful and very kind. The relatives of two service users were spoken to, they too commented on the kind and caring nature of the staff stating they are very professional and always polite. One relatives stated the staff are wonderful I really couldnt fault them in any way. A part of the inspection process includes sending questionnaires to service users in order to obtain their views on the standard of care they receive. The Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 questionnaires returned indicated that service users were clear on how to make a complaint. Most of the staff have completed training in relation to the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse. Arrangements have been made to the remaining staff to complete this training in the near future. A policy and procedure relating to the investigation of any allegations of abuse was in place along with a copy of the Wirral adult protection procedures. All of this ensures any allegations of abuse are investigated and dealt with properly. As indicated the service users spoken to said the staff are very kind and caring with one service user stating I feel very safe living at Sandstones. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 and 26 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. The standard of the decor at Sandstones remains very high and provides a comfortable and pleasant environment for service users to live. EVIDENCE: A programme of routine maintenance is in place to ensure the home is well maintained and provides a comfortable and pleasant environment to live. All parts of the home are decorated to high standard. Service users are encouraged to bring items of their own furniture into the home in order to make their rooms more homely and comfortable. A tour of the building confirmed the standard of hygiene remains very high and there are sufficient laundry facilities to cater for the number of service users living at the home. The home is subject to its own internal audit system in relation to the environment and the laundry assistant, Ms Jacqueline McGinty, has been issued with an in-house award in recognition of her hard work and Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 commitment to ensuring her area of work is carried out to a high standard. Discussion with service users confirmed their clothes were always washed, dried and returned in a good condition; they said they were completely satisfied with this aspect of care. Systems are in place to control the spread of infection along with supporting policies and procedures which staff can refer to when necessary. Staff confirmed they have completed training in relation to hygiene and infection control. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 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 and 30 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. Service users needs are met by the number and skill mix of staff. Staff have completed a range of appropriate training to ensure service users receive the correct level of care although issues of equality and diversity need to be explored in a little more depth to ensure staff understand the complex nature of this issue. The home has thorough recruitment procedures to ensure service users are cared for by suitably qualified and competent staff. A range of appropriate training is provided to ensure staff know how to care for the service users in accordance with good practice. EVIDENCE: This staff rota submitted prior to the inspection indicated there are sufficient care and domestic staff on duty to ensure the service users are safe and well cared for. The registered manager acknowledge that staff vacancies existed but that recruitment was underway and these vacant staffing hours were being covered by the existing staff team to ensure the service users received the necessary level of care. Discussion with the staff confirmed they had sufficient time to carry out their work with the amount of staff on duty at any time. Service users spoken to during inspection said the staff were always available Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 for assistance. Questionnaires returned to the CSCI from the service users indicated the staff are usually available when needed and a comment was made by a service user during the inspection that the staff are sometimes too busy to sit and chat. On the other hand however, the homes own customer satisfaction records indicate staff attentiveness is rated very highly. In light of these comments the registered person must look into this matter and address the issues raised. Documentation submitted by the registered manager prior to the inspection indicated that 50 of care staff are trained to the National Vocational Qualification level 2 and above. This is the National Minimum Standard recommended level for a residential care service. Thorough recruitment procedures are carried out to ensure suitably qualified and competent staff are employed to work at the home and that they are appropriate to work with vulnerable people. Documentation examined indicated that appropriate checks had been carried out on all staff. Staff spoken to confirmed they had completed a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure they do not have a police record and are unsuitable to work with vulnerable adults. Documentation submitted by the registered manager prior to the inspection indicated that staff are provided with ongoing training and that further training is planned for the forthcoming year. This training is appropriate for the management of the home and the care and support of vulnerable adults. As indicated earlier in the report the service users spoken to during the inspection praised the staff team for their kind and caring nature and confirmed their needs were fully met. The staff spoken to confirmed they had completed this training and that they are always encouraged to keep up-to-date with new training events. The Anchor Trust continues to have a positive approach towards staff training which ensures service users are being cared for in line with good practice and service users individual care requirements are beig addressed. The issue of equality and diversity was addressed with the registered manager and she confirmed that all have completed this training in 2005. However the Anchor Trust plans to provide further training in relation to this aspect of care provision and are keen that all staff become involved and understand the nature of this aspect of care provision. It is anticipated that all staff will have completed this training by the end of July 2005. Discussion with staff around this issue indicated they have a basic understanding of issues around equality and diversity and are aware that further training is being planned. Staff are aware a policy around this issue is available for their reference. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 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 and 38 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. The registered manager is qualified, competent and experienced to manage the home. Effective quality assurance monitoring is in place to ensure the home is run for service users best interests. Systems are in place to ensure service users financial interests are safeguarded. The health, safety and welfare of the service users are promoted throughout the home. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 EVIDENCE: There are clear lines of management and accountability within the home which is run for service users best interest. Mrs Julie Harwood is qualified to NVQ level 4 which is the recognised qualification for a manager of a residential care service. The registered manager demonstrated she was aware of her responsibilities with regard to the management of the home, supervision of staff and the care of service users. All of the service users spoken to during the inspection confirmed Mrs Harwood was always available for support. The relatives of some service users were spoken to during the inspection. They too spoke well of Mrs Harwood and said she provided a good standard of care. Staff spoken to confirmed the registered manager was always available for advice and support when necessary. Effective quality assurance systems are in place to ensure high standards of care are set and maintained. This includes a senior members of staff within the organisation carrying out a statutory visit to the home and reporting to be CSCI on the outcome of their observations. Issues of health and safety are monitored by the Anchor Trusts internal health and safety department. The registered manager is required to carry out a self-assessment of how she measures up against the National Minimum Standards for older people for the purpose of identifying where further improvements can be made. Service users have opportunity to put forward their views during regular meetings and the manager will speak to the service users on an individual basis. Last year the Anchor Trust carried out its own internal inspection of the standard of care provided. A summary of the information collated came in the form of a customer satisfaction report. The conclusion of this report indicated that Sandstones should be used as a best practice home. While it is acknowledged that some issues required further attention, for example the need for further social activities, it stated that the registered manager and staff team should be commended for ensuring the service user cared for in line with good practice and that they are kept safe and well. Many of the service users take responsibility for the management of their own finances although the home does take on this responsibility for some. A system for the management of service users finances is in place. This system stores information on the homes computer although hard copies of all financial transactions carried out on service users behalf are also kept. A selection of this documentation was examined and was maintained in good order. Safe working practices are promoted throughout the home. Staff confirmed they had completed appropriate training in this aspect of care and are provided with sufficient materials to carry out their work and ensure service users safety. Regular fire safety checks are carried out on all equipment and staff have been provided with regular fire safety training. The home is subject to its own internal health and safety inspection and all accidents are monitored. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 24 Staff said they have completed training in relation to health and safety and confirmed they have access to policies and procedures relating to this aspect of care provision. Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 25 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 2 x x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 2 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 26 yes 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 OP3 Regulation 14 Requirement The registered person is required to ensure all aspects of equality and diversity are explicitly addressed in the assessment process. The Registered person is required to ensure all aspects of equality and diversity incorporated into the care planning process. The registered person is required to ensure all staff receive training on the care planning process. (Previous requirement - timescale of 28/2/06 not met). The registered person is required to ensure a policy and procedure is in place which staff can refer to in the event of a service user’s medication being changed by their GP over the phone because they are unable to visit them at the home. The registered person is required to ensure all records kept in relation to service users medication are accurately maintained. The registered person is required DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Timescale for action 31/07/06 2 OP7 15 31/07/06 3 OP7 18 31/07/06 4 OP9 13 31/07/06 5 OP9 13 02/05/06 6 OP15 16 31/07/06 Page 27 Sandstones Version 5.1 7 OP30 18 to ensure a more varied menu is provided. The registered person is required to ensure all staff are provided with training on issues of diversity. (Previous requirement - timescale of 31/3/05 not met). 31/07/06 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 Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 28 Commission for Social Care Inspection Liverpool Satellite Office 3rd Floor Campbell Square 10 Duke Street Liverpool L1 5AS 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 Sandstones DS0000018936.V287858.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 29 - 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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