Inspection on 12/12/06 for St Brannocks

This inspection was carried out on 12th December 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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.

Other inspections for this house

St Brannocks 17/11/08

St Brannocks 06/10/05

St Brannocks 14/06/05

St Brannocks 06/10/04

St Brannocks 04/05/04

Similar services:

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Thorndene

Magenta

Seabourne House

33 St John`s Church Road

Dovedale Court

Lyncol House

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 St Brannocks St Brannocks Dymchurch Road New Romney Kent TN28 8UF Lead Inspector Wendy Mills Key Unannounced Inspection 12th December 2006 09:30 St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.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 St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.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. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service St Brannocks Address St Brannocks Dymchurch Road New Romney Kent TN28 8UF 01797 366663 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.craegmoor.co.uk Parkcare Homes (No. 2) Limited Mrs Caroline Jane Davies Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7) registration, with number of places St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 6th October 2005 Brief Description of the Service: St Brannocks is a small home providing care for seven people with learning disabilities. The registered provider is Parkcare (no 2) homes. This is part of the Craegmoor group of companies. The registered manager is Mrs Caroline Davies. The home is arranged over two floors and has seven good-sized single bedrooms and plenty of communal space. There is a lounge/dining area and a large conservatory. Outside there is a safe and enclosed garden and an activities room. St Brannock’s is situated on the main road at St Mary’s Bay, close to the small town of New Romney. It is within half an hour’s drive of the larger towns of Folkestone and Ashford. The fees for this home commence at £1,584 per week. Additional charges may be made should the assessed needs of the client indicate the need for additional support. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced visit lasted five hours. Detailed discussions were held in private with three clients, the registered manager, the deputy manager and two members of staff. It was also possible to speak to the other three clients over lunch. The contents of a pre-inspection questionnaire were taken into consideration, a tour of the home was undertaken and documentation was examined. Both direct and indirect observations were made throughout the visit. The Home continues to maintain a high quality of care that meets the National Minimum Standards. The feedback from clients and visiting health and social care professionals was positive. Clients say they are well cared and like living in the home. They are able to put their views forward and participate in the running of the home if they wish. Everyone at St Brannock’s is thanked for their warm welcome and the help they gave during this visit. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The home already manages mediation well but has improved the security of the storage of medicines. One client has now progressed enough to move on to a home where he can be more independent. There has been further improvement in the way the home manages challenging behaviour. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.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. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.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 St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): These standards were not inspected at this visit. Previous inspections have confirmed that the home meets these standards and no new clients have been admitted since the last inspection. EVIDENCE: St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 & 9 The quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. . There is a clear and consistent care planning process that the clients and their supporters understand. EVIDENCE: The clients said that they can talk freely to staff and that the staff respect their views. They know that details of their wishes and goals are recorded in their care plans and these are kept up to date. Staff said that there are always enough staff to support the clients to gain as much independence as possible. Care plans are in order, up-to-date, and clearly identify client needs. They contain clear guidelines for staff about the way each client’s challenging behaviour is to be managed. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. The home supports the clients to maximise their independence. EVIDENCE: On the morning of this visit all the clients were fully occupied, one was working in the kitchen and very kindly made coffee for me. The other clients had gone out to do the last of their Christmas shopping and to get costumes for a fancy dress evening they were going to. They arrived back in time for lunch so it was possible to speak to all of them during the course of the visit. They said that they are happy in the home and that they can talk to their key workers or Caroline (the registered manager) or Richard (the deputy) if they are worried. They also know how to contact their care managers if necessary. During lunch they spoke enthusiastically about their plans for Christmas and all the activities they were looking forward to St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 It is clear, from talking to the clients, that they understand about the risks they may face when taking part in activities or when out in the community. They understand the need for the level of supervision that they have. All the clients have again improved their levels of independence and they way that they now control their behaviour. One made such good progress that he has been able to move to another home where there is less need for supervision. There is a wide range of educational and leisure activities available. An activities co-ordinator works in the home. She supports the clients to improve their computer skills, education levels and to become more creative in their art and craft work. The standard of the art and craft work is very high and much of it is displayed about the home. It looks very attractive and the clients are congratulated on the way they have made the communal areas look so nice and homely. The home holds themed days when they learn about other cultures, eat food from the area they are learning about and enjoy some of their customs such as the traditional dances. A Tunisian evening is planned for early in 2007. The clients are involved with the planning of menus, shopping and food preparation. They said that they enjoy their meals and that they can choose what to eat. The main meal is taken in the evening and there is a choice of meals. Special diets, for example, for weight reduction or for cultural reasons, are catered for. Documentation is well maintained and gives clear guidance in respect of needs, activities and choices. Risk assessments are in place and are up-to-date. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 & 20 The quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. The personal support given protects the clients’ privacy and dignity and promotes their independence. EVIDENCE: Clients said that the staff respect their confidentiality and that they are happy to discuss personal issues with the staff. Observation showed that they are confident in asking for help with personal care if it is needed. As the clients all have a high level of ability in respect of personal care, this help is usually for things such as medication, hair care and laundry. The clients live healthy lifestyles, taking plenty of exercise and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Their physical and emotional needs are well documented. Visiting health and social care professionals said that the home works well with them and follows their advice when necessary. Records show that appropriate health care appointments are made and kept. The home manages medication well. Since the last visit, the storage of medicines has been made even more secure. There have been no medication errors and documentation is in order. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23 The quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. There are sound policies and procedures for complaints and concerns to be expressed. EVIDENCE: There is a staff handbook that includes information about the whistle-blowing procedure. Conversation with staff showed that they have a knowledge and understanding of Adult Protection issues and how to protect the clients from all forms of abuse. However, some new members of staff had not begun the formal induction programme since starting work in the home and some were not entirely confident about using the reporting procedure should they have concern about the behaviour of another member of staff. This could lead to concerns going unreported. The manager said this delay was because the company has recently introduced a new induction programme and the paperwork for this had only just arrived. She said that the new staff had received a brief orientation when they started work. The home must ensure that all staff receive adequate induction training to support them to report concerns immediately. The clients said that they can talk to the staff if they are worried and that they staff will help them sort out concerns. Day-to-day comments and concerns are dealt with as they arise. There have been no formal complaints since the last visit. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 & 30 The quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. The environment is comfortable, clean and homely. EVIDENCE: A tour of the home was made. There is a pleasant and homely atmosphere in the home. Some of the clients showed me their rooms. They were all nicely decorated and reflected their different personalities and interests. There is plenty of communal space and the clients all have areas where they prefer to be. At the time of the visit there were some problems with leakage in the downstairs shower room. Whilst this caused some temporary inconvenience, the workmen were attending to the problem and the clients were using the upstairs bathroom. Some said that it was a nuisance but they understood that the work had to be done. All areas of the Home were very clean and free from all offensive odours on the day of this visit. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34, 35 & 36 The quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. Staffing levels, staff recruitment and staff morale are all good. EVIDENCE: Inspection of staffing rosters shows that staffing levels are good. Staff said that there are always enough staff to support the clients in their activities. Whilst previous inspections have shown that the arrangements for staff induction are good, this time there had been a decline in the usual standard. As identified under Standards 22 and 23, some new staff had been in post for over a six weeks and had not yet begun the formal induction programme because the Company had been late in getting the appropriate paperwork out to the homes. The new staff had received some orientation to the home but this was not enough to give them the confidence to report concerns appropriately. Neither had they received one-to-one supervision. This would also have given an opportunity to express concerns. The home must ensure timely and adequate induction for all new staff. There is a good organisational structure in the home and staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. There is a good training and development St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 programme and records show that staff take full advantage of this. A number of staff hold the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level III. Staff spoke enthusiastically about their work the way they support the clients to achieve their goals. They said that they receive both statutory and specialist training and that there is good team working. They said that there had been a further improvement in the way the home manages challenging behaviour over the past few months. The company has sound recruitment policies and procedures. Inspection of staff files confirmed that all appropriate checks are made on new staff before they were offered work. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 & 42 The quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement is based on evidence gathered both before and during this visit. The home is well managed. The clients’ views are listened to and acted upon. EVIDENCE: Caroline Davies, the registered manager, has over twenty years experience in care and in managing care homes. She has completed the NVQ IV in management and care. She is going to take a sabbatical of a year. In her time as manager of St Brannock’s she has made steady progress and has consistently ensured that the home meets the required standards. Richard Cardin, her deputy will act up into the post of manager whilst she is away. For the past few months Richard has been taking on more responsibility in managing the home. Caroline said that she has every confidence that he will cope well. Staff also said that they respect Richard and feel that he will do a good job in running the home in Caroline’s absence. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Conversation with Richard showed that he has a good knowledge of the client group and a good understanding of challenging behaviour. He has already rewritten the challenging behaviour guidelines. These are now much clearer and easier for staff to understand. The home is well maintained and the CSCI is kept informed of all significant occurrences within the home. No health and safety hazards were noted during this visit. The area manager visits regularly and there is good communication between clients, staff and management. Recently Craegmoor help a service user conference for all the homes in the New Romney area. This was organised very successfully by two clients from a sister home, with the support of staff. It gave the clients a good opportunity to make their views known to the company. St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 2 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 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 X 36 2 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO 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 OP23 OP36 Regulation 18 Requirement Timescale for action The registered manager and the company must ensure that all 01/01/07 staff receive adequate and timely induction training and one-toone supervision. 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 St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU 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 St Brannocks DS0000023556.V300625.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 - 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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