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Inspection on 01/08/07 for Sherwood Court

Also see our care home review for Sherwood Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 1st August 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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 no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The manager and her team have worked on a new care plan format, the staff are knowledgeable about the needs of those who use the service. The atmosphere in the home was welcoming and lots of laughter was heard. Staff were seen to be supporting the residents appropriately and encouraging them to be as independent as possible. There is an on going training programme to ensure staff receive the skills required to carry out their role.

What has improved since the last inspection?

A driver has been employed which has provided the residents with further opportunity to access the community. A new bath has been installed which meets the needs of those who live in the home. New care plans have been introduced and they provide detail to staff on the action that is required to meet the individuals needs.

What the care home could do better:

The office door closure must be made operational and prevent compromising the fire procedures. A protocol for the use of the reclining chair should be put in place for the residents and ensure that consistent care is provided. The communal areas must be brought up to an acceptable standard of decoration to provide a comfortable and well-maintained environment for those who live at the home.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Sherwood Court The Common Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 0NX Lead Inspector Mrs Alison Butler Unannounced Inspection 1 August 2007 10:00 st Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Sherwood Court Address The Common Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 0NX 01707 262 405 01707 259 563 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) www.caretech-uk.com Caretech Community Service Limited Manager post vacant Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (8), Physical disability (8), of places Physical disability over 65 years of age (8) Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 26th February 2007 Brief Description of the Service: Sherwood Court is a residential care home for eight service users with learning and physical disabilities. The Provider is CareTech Community Service Limited. The building, a bungalow, is situated in the town of Hatfield. It is within walking distance of the supermarket, local shops, and public transport. There is a small parking area in the front of the building. The communal areas are limited to the lounge and a dinning room. The fitted kitchen is of average size. The bedrooms are situated to one side of the building. The shared assisted bathrooms and toilet facilities are nearby. There is a laundry room next to the office. The corridors and rooms are all wheelchair accessible. The lounge overlooks a small courtyard that has a patio with plants. There is a garden area to the rear, which has a paved area. For up to date fees for the services contact the manager of the home. Additional charges are made for newspapers, toiletries etc. Information regarding the services can be found in the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide, these and a copy of the last CSCI inspection report can be requested from the manager. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection has been written following a visit to the service and from information received since the lat inspection. Time was spent observing life of those who use the service and speaking with them about their lives. Care records were also examined. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The office door closure must be made operational and prevent compromising the fire procedures. A protocol for the use of the reclining chair should be put in place for the residents and ensure that consistent care is provided. The communal areas must be brought up to an acceptable standard of decoration to provide a comfortable and well-maintained environment for those who live at the home. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1&2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Assessments are carried out prior to admission to ensure that the service can meet the needs of prospective residents. EVIDENCE: The two residents that had been admitted to the home at the last visit had their files examined. Contracts had been given to them called “Welcome to Sherwood Court”. Consideration should be given to making them user friendly with more pictures and less words so that the residents are better able to understand them and they should consider personalising them to the individual. This was discussed with the manager during the inspection. As no new residents have been admitted to the home it is unclear if assessments will be more detailed in the future. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who use the service have their needs assessed and these are detailed within their care plans, but to esnure safety additional protocols should be included where these have been idetified within the care plan. EVIDENCE: The care plans of the last two residents that were admitted to Sherwood Court have been re-written in the context of their new environment and staffing levels. The plan, which is a new format since the last inspection, state how each individual wishes to be cared for example “ I wish to be woken at 7.30pm.” “ I wish to be given time to wake up” etc. Additional plans are in place to provide staff with more detail on how their needs are to be met. There was no protocol in place for the individual who uses a reclining chair, this should be completed to ensure that the person is safe and staff are consistent in the management of care. Each page should contain the name and date of birth of the individual this would prevent misfiling when additional information is added or the page becomes detached from the folder. All care plans are not Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 dated and signed by the author this provides ownership of the person completing the information. More detail should be entered on the risk assessment for the use of wheelchair and when the lap belt should or should not be used. This again was discussed with the manager at the time of the inspection. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who use the service are able to choose the activities they take part in and access the the community as part of these activities. EVIDENCE: The inspector spent time in the lounge observing what life is like for those at home. The staff were seen to be knowledgeable and treated the residents with respect. Residents spoken to during the inspection were very happy with the care. One person has decided to make their home at Sherwood although they were due to return to a previous home once all the building works etc. had been completed, this has now been done. Residents are able to access the local facilities such as, swimming, chiropody, pub, shopping. They are provided with support from staff to ensure they are able to access the facilities of their choice. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Menus are prepared in consultation with those who use the service and mealtimes are varied depending on choice, appointments etc. A driver has now been appointed, which has resulted in more activities being offered. One resident goes to stay with their family every other weekend and very much enjoy this. Families are able to visit the home at any reasonable time. There are plans over the coming year to ensure that all plans are person centred and are reviewed to enhance their development and ensure inclusion within the local community. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 & 20 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who use the service have their personal and health care needs met as perferred. Medication procedures have been tightened to prevent further errors. EVIDENCE: Two medication incidents have occurred since the last inspection where staff had failed to administer an individual’s medication. This could have had serious consequences on the health of the individual but fortunately they appear to have suffered no serious effects from this. The company has followed this through their internal procedures and it is hoped that no further errors will occur as the procedures have been tightened and additional audits have been put in place. A requirement has not been made as this has been resolved. A co-ordinator system is in place this provides a continuity of care. Health care needs are detailed within individual care plans stating visits that have occurred to health professionals providing information of the visit and any follow up that Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 may be required. The Health Action Plans are in a pictorial format to make them easier to understand for the residents. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service are not all able to express their views and concerns due to their complex needs. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints procedure in place although the staff still need to look at ways at enabling those with more complex needs to be able to get their views heard and listened to. Staff receive training in safeguarding and have an understanding of the action to take if an allegation of abuse is made to them. Staff interviews have just taken place; they are hoping to offer 4.5 support staff once all the required checks have been carried out. This will provide a consistent staff team to benefit the residents. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the use service live in a reasonably well-maintained environment, although some improvements are needed to the decoration to enhance the homeliness. EVIDENCE: A tour of the home showed that the communal areas of the home are in need of redecoration especially the paintwork and the lower walls that have been damaged by general wear tear and wheelchair users. This would enhance the environment making it more pleasant and welcoming. The manager has introduced a cleaning rota so staff are clear on what needs to be done and assist and or support residents in cleaning their room and taking part in the communal areas where possible. A chair in the lounge has a torn seat and could cause a hazard if an individual gets caught, causing them to lose their balance etc. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 One bathroom is still out of action as they are still waiting the installation. It is a shame that a new bath has been fitted but the flooring is stained and is coming way from the wall, also the join in the flooring is parting which could lead to a trip hazard. Although the garden has some flowers pots there is a need for further work to make the garden more appealing, welcoming and colourful. A gardener has been employed and visits the home on a monthly basis. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 & 35 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service are supported and protected through the homes recruitment policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: Previous inspections have shown that all relevant checks are carried out prior to any individual commencing employment in the home. Interviews have recently taken place and 4.5 individual have been offered a post. These are subject to all the relevant checks having been carried out and the results are satisfactory. The service has been unable to recruit a cleaner so a rota has been put in place and cleaning is being carried out by staff who support and assist the residents. The manager has put a matrix in place to gain an over view of the training that has been covered and if there are any gaps in the skills of the staff team. This will also ensure that staff receive regular updates and remain competent in their role. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Health, safety and welfare is promoted and protected through a series of checks and monitoring processes. However, the office door was wedged open which may present a risk to both staff and service users. EVIDENCE: The manager is not yet registered with the Commission and shortly to go off on maternity leave. The company have put in management support of a manager from another service that will provide them with a couple of days a week support. They have recently employed a deputy manager who will take on some of the management responsibility and ensure the smooth running of the home for the benefit of the residents. The staff team need to look at ways in ensuring that all the residents are able to express their views and have a say in the way the home is run. Some Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 residents are able to speak up for themselves and were very happy with the care they received. One person has now chosen to remain at Sherwood Court rather than return to their previous placement. See section on environment for some issues that have been raised regarding safety of the residents. The office door was being held open by a wedge, it appeared that the door guard was not effective. Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 2 2 3 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 2 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 2 x 3 X 2 X X 2 X Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 YA24 Regulation 23(b)(d) Requirement The internal communal decoration must be brought up to an acceptable standard to provide a welcoming and wellmaintained environment for the residents. Door opening devices should be fully operational at all times to ensure fire procedures are not compromised and are effective. Timescale for action 31/12/08 1 YA42 13(4)(a), 23 (4)(c)(i) 31/08/07 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 1 3. Refer to Standard YA1 YA6 YA22 YA39 Good Practice Recommendations The staff team should look at ways to produce easy read formats for the residents with regard to the complaints procedure etc. A written protocol for the use of the reclining should be in place to ensure staff are consistent in its use for the benefit of the user. The manager and her team should investigate and demonstrate how they ensure all residents views are DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Sherwood Court 4. YA24 listened to and they are able to contribute to the running of the home The garden needs some attention to include some colour to make for a more pleasant environment, in which the resident can enjoy Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Team CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge CB21 5XE National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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 Sherwood Court DS0000019524.V346207.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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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