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Inspection on 12/03/07 for St Vincent House

Also see our care home review for St Vincent House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 12th March 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 provides a welcoming, relaxed and friendly atmosphere for the residents. The environment is homely, clean, tidy and attractively decorated and furnished. There is a pleasant and sheltered rear garden and wonderful views to the front of the home. Many of the residents said that they love the look out over Southsea Common to the Solent. The home promotes the health and well-being of the residents and respects their individuality. There is a good choice of activities that help to maintain the independence and interests of the residents. The staff are well trained, kind and caring. Residents said that there was nothing that is too much trouble for the staff and a visiting NVQ assessor praised the staff fro the standards they are reaching on the NVQ programme. The home is well managed and there is an open an honest management culture. The home has a strong commitment to self-monitoring and quality improvement

What has improved since the last inspection?

All, but one bedroom, now have en suite facilities. An en suite facility will be provided for the final bedroom when the work on an extension is complete. The home has tightened its recruitment policies and procedures. All new staff had received appropriate checks before being offered employment at the home. Additional care staff and food services staff have been appointed. This means that there is less need to use agency staff. Staff said this had improved the continuity of care they can offer.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE St Vincent House 20 - 21 Clarence Parade Southsea Hampshire PO5 3NU Lead Inspector Wendy Mills Key Unannounced Inspection 12th March 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 St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.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. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service St Vincent House Address 20 - 21 Clarence Parade Southsea Hampshire PO5 3NU 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) 023 9242 2822 St Vincent Care Homes Limited Mr M Canbek Care Home 26 Category(ies) of Dementia (6), Dementia - over 65 years of age registration, with number (13), Mental Disorder, excluding learning of places disability or dementia - over 65 years of age (6), Old age, not falling within any other category (26), Physical disability (4) St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service users in category DE must not be admitted under 60 years of age. 4th January 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: St Vincent House is one of two care homes for older people, owned and managed by St Vincent Care Homes Limited. It provides care for up to twenty-six older people within the categories listed above. The home is a large, well-maintained property. There are fine views at the front across the Southsea Esplanade and the Solent. There is plenty of communal space including three lounges, a dining rooms and a secluded courtyard garden at the rear. The accommodation is arranged over four floors. There is a wide staircase and a passenger lift that provide access to the upper floors. Outside there is a ramp for wheelchair access to the front of the home. There are no parking facilities at the home but there is plenty of on-street parking nearby. The local council makes a charge for this at certain times of the day. The range of fees for this home is between £375 and £575 per week. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced visit lasted six hours. It formed part of the annual inspection process of the home under The care Standards Act 2000. On the day of the visit there were twenty-four people in residence. Builders were working in the home to improve the dining room and downstairs lounge. During the course of the visit, it was possible to speak to twelve residents. Some were spoken to in the privacy of their own rooms and some over lunch. Three members of staff were spoken to in private and a further two during en passant. The views of relatives and visiting health and social care professionals were sought. In depth discussion was held with the registered manager and the deputy manager. Documentation was examined and a tour of the home made. Both direct and indirect observation was used throughout the course of the visit. The residents, staff, deputy manager and registered manager are thanked for the welcome they gave and their assistance during the course of this visit What the service does well: The home provides a welcoming, relaxed and friendly atmosphere for the residents. The environment is homely, clean, tidy and attractively decorated and furnished. There is a pleasant and sheltered rear garden and wonderful views to the front of the home. Many of the residents said that they love the look out over Southsea Common to the Solent. The home promotes the health and well-being of the residents and respects their individuality. There is a good choice of activities that help to maintain the independence and interests of the residents. The staff are well trained, kind and caring. Residents said that there was nothing that is too much trouble for the staff and a visiting NVQ assessor praised the staff fro the standards they are reaching on the NVQ programme. The home is well managed and there is an open an honest management culture. The home has a strong commitment to self-monitoring and quality improvement St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.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 St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.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): 2&3 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Appropriate pre-admission assessments are made. The home does not provide intermediate care. EVIDENCE: Residents said that they are aware of their rights whilst living in the home. Most are aware that they have written contract in place. They said that they could ask the staff or the manager if they have any concerns about what they can expect from the home. Examination of care plans showed that there is a thorough pre-admission assessment process that clearly identified needs and choices. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home promotes the health and wellbeing of the residents EVIDENCE: Residents say their care “couldn’t be better” and that the staff are “lovely”. Care plans are up to date and in order they record the needs and choices of the residents. They are reviewed on a regular basis. Records show that healthcare appointments are made on behalf of the residents when indicated. On the day of this visit, one resident was in hospital for investigations but all the other residents were very well. District nurses and other health and social care professionals visit the home regularly. A reflexologist visits twice a month. The home also home employs a Chartered physiotherapist privately. She visits the home twice a week. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 A health care professional visiting the home said, “This is one of the best homes I visit. They are very friendly and co-operative. They take staff training very seriously and this means that they monitor the health of the residents well.” Weights and intake of food are monitored. The cook is aware of the individual needs of the residents. The home could improve the way it monitors nutrition if it were to also record actions taken when significant weight loss or gain, or loss of appetite are noted. The home employs a tea lady and she is very good at making sure there are always plenty of drinks available. Staff also encourage the residents to maintain a healthy diet and fluid intake. The deputy manager takes responsibility for the management of medicines in the home. She oversees the ordering, storage and returns of medicines and organises staff training. Medication is stored securely and records are maintained and up to date. A local pharmacist comes to the home to carry out assessments of the safety of medicines stored in the home. All staff who administer medicines have received the necessary training. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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. The home supports the residents to maximise their independence and lead interesting lives. EVIDENCE: The home offers a wide variety of activities. There is an art and craft group, a music group and a reminiscence group. The mobile library visits and there are large print books available in the lounges. The home shares a minibus with its sister home in Gosport. This is used for outings during the better weather. Some residents regularly walk out by the sea, go to the shops and library. On the day of this visit a music group was in progress. The weather was glorious with beautiful clear skies and sunshine and some residents preferred to go out walking on the common opposite rather than join in. Other residents said that they prefer to stay in their rooms where they read, listen to music, have relatives and friends to visit or watch television, although they were aware of more organised activities going on in the home. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Staff said that they try to encourage the residents to join in organised groups but there are some who just do not want to. Those residents said that the staff listen to them and respect their wishes. When residents do not join in it can lead to their relatives worrying that there are no activities available. If the home were to record all activities offered and those declined or taken up, they could give a clearer picture about the level of participation in activities. This would help both the residents and their supporters. Staff spend time with individual residents, chatting to them, doing puzzles and other more individual activities, such as manicures. Staffing levels are good but staff still said that they would like to have more time to give more individual attention. Lunch was taken in the company of some of the residents. There was a good deal of friendly banter between the residents and staff and a pleasant atmosphere despite the refurbishing work that was going on in the room nearby. The dining table was well laid with linen tablecloths and matching napkins. Residents said the food is good and that there is always a choice on the menu. They said that they have plenty to eat and they can always ask for more. The lunch was well cooked and presented. Staff were attentive and gave appropriate assistance to those who needed it in a sensitive and discrete way. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 & 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home responds positively to complaints and concerns. The home protects the residents from harm EVIDENCE: There have been two formal complaints since the last inspection. The registered manager investigated both thoroughly. However, one was delayed, as a letter was not passed on to the registered manager until two weeks after the registered office of the company received it. Where the home felt that they could have done better they have put systems in place to address the concerns. In one case there was concern that there were staffing shortages. The home has put an extra member of staff on each shift. Additional cleaning staff have been taken on and extra hours have been given to allow for more help in the kitchen at breakfast and tea times. Staff are very aware of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults policies and procedures and said that they would have no hesitation in reporting any concerns to the manager. They said he listens to their concerns and takes action when necessary. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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, 23, 24 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The environment is welcoming, pleasant, clean and safe. EVIDENCE: On the day of this unannounced visit, builders were in the home; the dining room and lounge were being re-plastered. Planning permission has now been granted to build an extension to improve the communal space and eventually provide six more bedrooms. The home is well maintained, clean and safe. Many of the rooms have wonderful views over the Solent. Residents said that they are very happy with their environment. Most have personalised their rooms with items from home. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Infection control policies and procedures are in place. The home is aware that the laundry facility would benefit from upgrading. This is to be included in the imminent building development work. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. Staffing levels, training and supervision are all very good. Staff morale is high. Staff recruitment procedures have improved and now meet the required standards. EVIDENCE: A sample of staff files was examined. Appropriate checks have been made on all new staff, two written references are in place and checks have been made with the Criminal records Bureau. The files contain good evidence of training that staff have attended. The requiirement from the previous inspection about recruitment procedures has been met. Residents said that the staff are kind and “nothing’s too much trouble for them”. Direct and indirect observation showed the staff to interact positively with the residents. They were kind and respectful towards the residents. Residents said that they could talk to the manager and staff if they needed anything. They said that there is plenty of friendly banter between them. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staff said that they love working in the home and that there is a supportive and friendly atmosphere. They really enjoy their work and get great satisfaction from caring for the residents. Staff said that there is plenty of training and that they receive regular supervision. More than fifty percent of staff have achieved NVQ level II and now several are working towards level III. The NVQ assessor was in the home during this visit. She said she was very pleased with the way staff are progressing and that this is reflected in good care practice in the home. Examination of staffing rosters showed good staffing levels. Staff say that there are enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the residents. The appointment of additional staff means that there is less need to use agency staff. Staff say that they are pleased about this because it means there is better team working. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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, 32, 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 home is well managed and there is good communication with the residents and their supporters. The home is financially viable and appropriate financial investment in the fabric of the building is made. EVIDENCE: The residents are consulted regularly about their views. There are residents’ meetings and the registered manager visits the residents in their rooms St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 frequently. He chats informally with them and picks up on any issues that may be worrying them. Residents said that they talk to the manager if they have any concerns. The registered manager has a good overview of the running of the home on a day-to-day basis. He talked knowledgeably about each resident, was aware of their likes and dislikes and spoke of how the home respects individuality and tries hard to meet individual needs. Staff said that the manager and deputy manager are open and honest. Discussion with them showed that they are knowledgeable about good care practice and willing to learn. The registered manager has now achieved NVQ IV in management and care. The home looks after small amounts of personal monies on behalf of the residents but does not take responsibility for larger amounts. Residents either manage these themselves or are supported to do so by their families or legal advisors. The business is a family concern and discussion confirmed that they debate care issues and improvement plans for the home on a daily basis. They take a great deal of pride in their homes and all family members play a part. The registered providers visit the home very regularly and talk to staff and residents as well as making health and safety checks. Health and safety records are in order and up-to-date. Regular health and safety checks are made. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 3 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X 3 3 X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 3 29 3 30 4 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X X 3 St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 2 Refer to Standard OP8 OP14 Good Practice Recommendations The home should review the way in which it records the weights of the residents so that it is easier to track any action taken if significant weight loss or gain is noted. The home should record all activities offered, those declined and those in which residents have taken part. St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hampshire Office 4th Floor Overline House Blechynden Terrace Southampton SO15 1GW 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 St Vincent House DS0000012388.V330871.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 - 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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