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Inspection on 31/01/07 for South Quay Nursing Home

Also see our care home review for South Quay Nursing Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 31st January 2007.

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.

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 home has a pleasant atmosphere and the decoration and fabric of the building is good. The care planning and Suitable hoists and slings are now available in sufficient numbers and the home is tidy. Control of infection practices and equipment have been improved, there is a sluice disinfector on both floors. The laundry is now well organised and well equipped. Staff files now show recruitment policies are being followed and training programmes ensure staff are able to meet the changing and assessed needs of residents. The registered persons receive formal supervision at least six times a year with records kept. The home is operating good fire prevention practices and the Manager is seeking alternative methods for having residents bedroom doors open if necessary.

What has improved since the last inspection?

No requirements were made at the last inspection. The home continues to provide a good standard of care to the residents.

What the care home could do better:

Only one requirement was made at the last inspection and this remains in place. The damaged sealed unit windows are to be replaced when the modifications are made to the part of the home that is not currently in use. Although the food being served is good and the residents are satisfied with the quality and choice, it remains a recommendation that training of the cook and deputy be reviewed to ensure that they remain confident and competent to undertake the role as planned. Liquid soap should be provided in the on suite areas of the resident`s bedroom to improve the control of infection practices by allowing the staff to wash their hands before leaving the residents bedroom.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE South Quay Nursing Home Cowpen Road Blyth Northumberland NE24 5TT Lead Inspector Suzanne McKean Key Unannounced Inspection 31st January 2007 09:30 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 South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.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 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. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service South Quay Nursing Home Address Cowpen Road Blyth Northumberland NE24 5TT 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) 01670 351831 01670 540253 South.Quay@fshc.co.uk www.fshc.co.uk Ringdane Limited (wholly owned subsidiary of Four Seasons Health Care Limited) Ms Pamela Towers Care Home 79 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (79) of places South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The home is able to provide three places to residents under the age of 65 within the PD category of registration 24th January 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: South Quay is a purpose built two-storey building of traditional brick built and tiled roof construction. It is situated on a large corner site on the outskirts of the town of Blyth. The home is within walking distance of the main shopping area of the town and the local amenities situated in that area. It is on the main bus route. The surrounding area is predominantly domestic housing with a small number of commercial properties. The home is registered to provide places for 79 service users all of which can be accommodated in single rooms. The home is registered as a care home, which is able to, provided nursing care and as such the Manager is a Registered Nurse. The home charges fees of between £339.99 and £389.24 per week depending upon the needs and requirements of the individual residents. As the home provides nursing care the free nursing care element of the funding is provided in addition to the costs charged to the resident. The home provides information about the service through the service user guide. A copy of the last inspection report from The Commission for Social Care Inspection is available in the entrance to the home. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection was carried out over a total of six hours during one visit. Nine residents and four staff were spoken to at some length and others chatted to briefly. Four relatives were spoken to directly as they were in the home. Six care plans, and records for medication were examined. Also staff files, training records and health and safety documentation was looked at. The home completed a pre-inspection questionnaire from which information was taken. There was one requirement made at the last inspection, this has not yet been met. This was to replace the faulty double glazed windows. This is because the replacement is to be carried out as part of the work to the currently unused part of the home. No requirements have been made as a result of this inspection. One of the recommendations remains outstanding. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? No requirements were made at the last inspection. The home continues to provide a good standard of care to the residents. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3&6 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are appropriately assessed prior to moving into the home and the appropriate equipment is made available for them at the time of admission. Intermediate care is not provided. EVIDENCE: Four residents files were checked and on each were a copy of a full needs assessment carried out by the referring Care manager, for those service users who are self funding, the registered manager completes a detailed preadmission assessment. Care plans contained a range of appropriate information and one of the service user interviewed confirmed they were involved in drawing them up. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 All prospective service users and their representatives are invited to visit the home to meet other service users and staff prior to admission to the home. The service users interviewed said their needs were met and they were happy with the care offered to them. Five relatives who were in the home during the visit said that they had been given sufficient information prior to their relative’s admission and that it proved to be accurate. Care plans were checked and staff members spoken to during the visit. These confirmed that a range of specialist services was provided to service users. Staff interviewed had had a range of relevant training and experience. Intermediate care is not provided. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has very comprehensive care plans. Individual care for planning is good care is being delivered in line with these plans. The residents are having their health care needs assessed and met. Staff treat residents with respect and maintain their privacy when they are caring for them throughout their daily life. The home has introduced the Liverpool Care Pathway for caring for caring for people who are dying which is to be commended. There are good procedures in place for administering medication, which is followed. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 EVIDENCE: Four care plans were examined, they are up to date and in good detail to allow the staff to used them to plan the care they give. A variety of research based assessment tools used, and the care plans are reviewed at least monthly. The manager monitors the care plans to ensure the standards are maintained. The home is registered to provide nursing care and the home has the necessary equipment to provide for the needs of the current residents. This included a number of intermittent pressure-relieving mattresses and patient hoists. A skin integrity assessment tool is used and all service users are assessed formally for their nutritional status. Residents are provided with services available to the wider community for example chiropody, dentistry and other therapeutic services according to assessed need. Residents are weighed regularly and staff make changes in the care provided to take into account any changes. No weight loss was noted in the care plans examined. The home is taking part in a national continence audit, which is working to assist residents in returning to being continent. Care plans include good information regarding the cultural and religious needs of residents on an individual basis. This is evident in both the social and health care needs. Dietary needs are identified and met for those residents who have requirements specific to their beliefs. The home has introduced the Liverpool Care Pathway for caring for caring for people who are dying which is to be commended. The Manager is currently undertaking a training programme in Palliative care. The medicine records and systems were good, these were completed and staff was aware of the need to manage the medication systems effectively. Staff were seen knocking on bedroom doors prior to entering and residents interviewed confirmed that this was usual practice. They also said that they felt that they were offered privacy during personal care. Any examinations by medical or nursing staff are carried on in the resident room. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 & 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are satisfied with the flexibility of their routines for daily living and activities, which are appropriate to meet their cultural, social, religious and recreational interests and needs. Arrangements for residents to maintain contact with their family and friends and the local community are suited to each individual’s needs and vary accordingly. It was a recommendation at the last inspection that the cook and the deputy cook be offered additional catering training, this has not yet been undertaken. EVIDENCE: The residents described the ways they are encouraged to take control of their daily routines in simple but important ways including the time they get up, what and when they eat and how they spend their time. Staff confirmed that they encourage resident to make choices about how they spend their day. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The home employs an activities co-ordinator working 30 hours per week, who is interested in offering the resident differing opportunities. The activities offered include visits to the pantomime, trips to Tynemouth for fish and chips or the local ice cream parlour as well as in house activities. The home has a mini bus, which is really well used. Bingo and dominoes are particularly popular with the current relatives. Two residents asked said “there is always something going on” and “I’m really looking forward to the day out”. The records of the activities provided is detailed, and the “detailed social assessment was completed in all of the four care plans examined. The staff confirmed that residents are able to choose whether or not they are involved, however due to the dependency level of some of the residents a number of the activities offered are less active and provided on a more one to one basis. The outside areas were significantly improved last summer and remains very pleasant there are ongoing plans to include the residents this year in the gardening tasks and ensure that they are able to use the area effectively once the better weather arrives. Residents have visitors at any time and are able to use their own rooms, the small lounges or the larger, busier lounges to receive them. During the visit a resident was spending time in the entrance area with her family. Relatives are given information during the residents’ meetings for which minutes are available. Residents said they were satisfied with the arrangements for visitors and that staff welcome them. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home informs residents and relatives about the complaints policy. This deals with complaints, which are investigated with action taken to address any issues identified. The home protects the residents from abuse by having a policy in place and by training staff in how to recognise and react if abuse is suspected. EVIDENCE: The complaints policy is in the service user guide and is displayed in the home. Three residents were asked specifically about how they would make a complaint if they wished to do so. They were all clear about the complaints procedure and said that they would not be worried about speaking to a member of staff if they had any concerns. All residents spoken to during the visit said that they knew Mrs Towers, the Manager, and would speak to him when he tours the home as she frequently did. Records of recent complaints were examined and competed in detail. The home has policies and procedures in relation to the prevention of abuse and whistle blowing; the staff are trained in these areas of practice, which is included in the induction programme and the ongoing in house training programmes. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is and decorated and maintained to a good standard and the bedroom areas are pleasantly decorated according to the wishes of the residents. Only the replacement of faulty double-glazing units must be undertaken as planned. The home is clean, tidy and there was no unpleasant odour during the either of the visits. EVIDENCE: The service user bedrooms are pleasantly furnished and were personalised to the taste of the occupant, and in line with the National Minimum Standards. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The home has a redecoration, which is followed. This was organised to take into account the priority of the residents. There are a number of sealed unit double glazed windows, which have become faulty and as a result there is water vapour inside of the gap, this reduces the ability of residents to see clearly outside for that portion of the window. The Manager has planned for this to be undertaken as part of the refurbishment of the Crofton Unit. Mrs Towers, the home staff and some relatives worked very hard last year to improve the garden area at the rear of the premises to give the residents a very pleasant accessible area to enjoy when the weather permits, this can be viewed from inside the home and a number of resident again expressed their enjoyment of it. The on suites are not equipped with disposable paper towels, liquid soap, and waste bins which would assist in control of infection and the Manager agreed that this would be beneficial it remains a recommendation. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The staff in the home are recruited in line with the companies policies and procedures and are being provided with a good range of both statutory and clinical training. The staff are encouraged to take National Vocational Qualifications and there are approximately 75 of the staff who have either level 2 or 3 in care. EVIDENCE: The staff receive training in line with the company policy and statutory requirements for fire training, moving and handling, first aid, food handling and hygiene and a plan is in place to address this on an ongoing basis. Any additional training opportunities are allocated depending upon the individual staff member’s role, previous experience and qualifications. These records show that the Manager maintains the training programme to ensure that the staff are equipped with the skills and competencies necessary to care for the residents in the home. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The staff recruitment and selection records all contained a completed application form, two written references, a completed CRB check and contained the evidence of the equal opportunities policy being followed. All staff commence employment on a trial basis and undertake an induction period depending upon their previous experience and qualifications. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Manager, Mrs Towers, ensures that there are systems in place to make sure that the home is managed effectively taking into account the needs and wishes of the residents. The resident’s personal allowances are being managed effectively and in detail. Health and safety is promoted effectively in the home by both the systems in place and the staff working hard to maintain them. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 EVIDENCE: Mrs Towers and the senior staff of the home are continually monitoring the views and wishes of the residents by speaking to them on a daily basis. The manager is continuing to arrange resident and relevant meetings although these not always well attended. The records of these are available. The meetings are varied and for those who do attend they can offer them the chance not only to discuss any changes occurring but also to become involved in the planning of the social activities. Records were examined of the staff meetings, which take place regularly, and the contents of these suggest that there is a broad spectrum of relevant issues discussed. Regular reviews are arranged either by the Social Services departments or by the home and these offer the opportunity to have seek the resident and relative views. Questionnaires have been used in the recent past to find out the resident and relative views and these are to be repeated in the near future. The personal records kept in the home of residents who are receiving assistance to manage their finances were examined and are detailed, logical and appropriate. Receipts were in place for purchases made on behalf of residents and signatures of either two staff or one and the service user were in place. The company undertakes internal audits and this includes the resident’s personal finances. The home has good systems for looking after the homes equipment and ensuring that the premises are safe and well maintained. Good records are kept by the handyman of the checks made. Records are in place to prove that the home has contracts for the premises and equipment safety and service certificates are kept. South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.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 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 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 9 3 10 3 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 4 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 X 3 X 3 X X 3 South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.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 OP19 Regulation 23(2)(b) (d) Requirement The damaged sealed unit windows must be replaced as planned. Timescale for action 01/10/07 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. Refer to Standard OP15 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that training of the cook and deputy be reviewed to ensure that they remain confident and competent to undertake the role as planned. It is recommended that liquid soap be provided in the on suite areas of the resident’s bedroom. 2. OP26 South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 South Quay Nursing Home DS0000000664.V295334.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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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