Inspection on 13/09/05 for Sun House

This inspection was carried out on 13th September 2005.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Sun House 08/10/07

Sun House 10/10/06

Sun House 17/02/06

Sun House 08/02/05

Sun House 13/10/04

Sun House 29/03/04

Similar services:

21 High Street

Vale House

Chestnut Walk

The Old Vicarage

Cherwood House Care Centre

Ashley House

Ascot Nursing Home

Fountain View

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Sun House 127 Tring Road Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1LQ Lead Inspector Mike Murphy Announced 13th September 2005 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 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 Stationary 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. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Sun House Address 127 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1LQ Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) 01296 338103 Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association Miss Philippa Jane McCartney Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Mental disorder, excluding learning disability or registration, with number dementia (8) of places Sun House Version 1.10 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 8th February 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Sun House is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for eight people with mental health problems. It is owned and managed by Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association. The home is located about one mile from the centre of Aylesbury on the main road to Tring and is conveniently situated for buses, shops, education, social and recreational facilities in the town. The home is established in the area. It is a converted property and its style is in keeping with other properties in the neighbourhood. The home is on two floors and does not have a lift. All bedrooms are single.The home is a medium to long-term service and urgent or emergency admissions are not accepted. Referrals are only accepted through the mental health care programme approach (CPA). Sun House Version 1.10 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced inspection was conducted by one inspector in one day. The inspector was familiar with the home. The inspection consisted of discussion with residents and staff, observation of practice, reading care records and other documents, walking around the home, and consideration of preinspection information and comment cards returned before the inspection itself. At the time of this inspection the registered manager was on maternity leave. Her post was being covered by the deputy manager. The home had one resident vacancy and the multi-agency placement panel was aware of this. Seven residents lived in the home at the time of the inspection. A new member of staff was still in his probationary period. The home had one staff vacancy to fill. This was being covered by Hightown Praetorian Housing Association (Hightown) bank staff. The inspection finds that this continues to be a well managed home which provides a good service to residents and which is valued by others. The home has updated its statement of purpose and service user’s guide and both are informative and well presented document. Care Plans (‘Support Plans’) are based on Person Centred Care Planning (‘PCP’) and are generally well written. The organisation continues to run training sessions in support of the development. Residents seem comfortable in the home and pursue a range of interests. A key strength of the home is its core group of experienced and well trained staff who provide good support to residents. The home appears to work well with other mental health services in the area. The standard of the environment were not assessed on this inspection but the home presents as a clean, comfortable and well managed service which is well located for the amenities of Aylesbury Town Centre. Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association provides good support to the home. The organisation maintains an ongoing training programme which is valued by staff. Its Human Resources department supports the home in the recruitment of staff and generally maintains good recruitment practice. Some weaknesses in staff files – which may be indicative of system weaknesses elsewhere - are noted on this occasion. Feedback on the quality of the service was generally positive but resident respondents expressed mixed views. Overall however, the home meets almost all of the minimum standards inspected on this occasion. The inspector would like to thank the residents and staff for their time and hospitality and all those who took the trouble to complete and return comment cards. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 6 What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Develop a contract which includes reference to the care aspects of the service as well as those applying to those elements of the licence agreement. Establish better practice with regard to locking away confidential information and maintaining security of keys. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 7 Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The full report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 8 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Sun House Version 1.10 Page 9 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 standard(s) 1, 2,3, 4 and 5 Prospective residents have up to date and comprehensive information on which to make a decision on accepting referral to, or the offer of a place in, the home. Assessment of needs conducted by the community mental health team and by home staff aim to ensure that needs are identified and that the home can meet the prospective resident’s needs. The home does not offer admission to someone whose needs it cannot meet. Introductory visits allow both the new resident and current residents and staff to decide if the home is likely to be able to meet the person’s needs. This helps to minimise problems at a later stage. EVIDENCE: The statement of purpose was reviewed in August 2005. This provides a detailed description of the service provided, the sizes of individual bedrooms, a description of other facilities in the home, sections on the support provided to residents and on encouraging their participation in running the home, the home’s aims and objectives, the admission criteria, staff details, staff training, confidentiality, and arranges for updating the document. This is a well written, comprehensive and well laid out document. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 10 The service user’s guide (‘resident’s guide’) is also a comprehensive and well written document. This outlines the purpose of the home, a description of the support and facilities, a summary of the accommodation, details of staffing, key details of the contract (‘licence agreement’), reference to Hightown’s complaints procedure, and the addresses of CSCI and of local health and social services offices. The manager said that a copy of the most recent inspection report is usually available in the entrance hall. Referrals to the service are made through the community mental health team (CMHT) and a residential placement panel. All prospective residents have a comprehensive CPA care plan and are in receipt of support from the CMHT. Because of the potentially long term nature of the service the admission of a prospective resident is carefully planned and managed – from both sides – and current residents have some involvement in the process. The home has access to assessments conducted by CMHT members prior to referral, in particular the CPA care plan.It does not offer a place to a person whose needs it cannot meet and has clear exclusion criteria outlined in its service user’s guide. The home carries out its own assessment with the resident using its PCP approach to support planning. Specialised services are provided through the CMHT or GP. The Hightown training programme combined with supervision and appraisal aims to provide staff with the skills required to carry out their work effectively. The service works closely with other community mental health services in the area. Introductory visits are part of the referral process and the home provides a settling in or trial period, at the end of which the residency is reviewed with the resident and care manager (others such as family and other professionals may be involved as required). The home does not offer emergency admission. The licence agreement is in the form of a letter and is written in a personal style. The first paragraph appears to give the impression that CSCI is responsible for ‘…ensuring maintenance of standards’ whereas it is responsible for checking conformance to standards. Responsibility for ensuring maintenance of standards lies with the service provider. The document is based on a tenancy agreement and this is reflected in its bias towards those aspects of a resident’s stay. There are few references to the equally important aspect of care – something which this home does well. It is not a contract and does not contain all of the information listed in standard 5.2. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 11 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 standard(s) 6, 7,8, 9 and 10 The home’s care planning systems are methodical and residents are involved in drawing up and implementing their own care plan. This helps to ensure that the plan of care is based on the resident’s own assessment of need and action to meet those needs. The care plan takes account of the advice of the community mental health team and the resident’s GP thus ensuring that such advice is integrated with the home’s own plan of care. This should increase the effectiveness of care planning meeting the needs of the resident. The home encourages the participation of residents in decision making, risk assessment and in the running of the home. This can develop resident’s skills in decision making and will support involvement with others in the maintenance of a home which meets the needs of residents. EVIDENCE: The home has adopted a ‘person centred’ approach to care planning. There are three files for each resident, two which contain the care plan. One file contains health information and monthly summaries and reviews of care plans. One file Sun House Version 1.10 Page 12 is used for the current support plan and for recording day to day events. The third file holds financial information. The care plan is developed by the resident and the key worker and takes into account relevant health information (such as the care programme approach (CPA) care plan). Plans are detailed and well presented. Day to day records in the plans examined covered the main activities pursued by the resident and other events. Care plans are available to the resident as required. Care plans are reviewed monthly. The home participates in CPA reviews. Residents are supported in making decisions. This process is frequently linked to the support plan. Support includes facilitating access to information, providing emotional or practical support in accessing services, assessing risk and reviewing progress. Residents expressed satisfaction with the service. They felt that the home supported them in doing things at their own pace. Residents are encouraged to participate in the running of the home, to undertake essential shopping and are provided with information where required. Residents views are sought on new furniture or when recoration is planned. Residents are involved when new residents are admitted and views are sought on prospective staff. At the time of this inspection residents were not involved in staff interview panels. Individual risk assessments are carried out through the support planning process. Staff support residents in assessing and managing risk. Where necessary the advice of the community mental health team is sought with regard to personal risk. The home has facilities for managing and storing confidential information. The security of information stored in the office may be compromised when keys are left in the filing cabinet while the office is unattended. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 13 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 standard(s) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 Residents participate in a wide range of activities, both within and outside of the home. This provides many opportunities for pursuing individual interests and maintaining personal development. The home is conveniently located to facilitate the use by residents of a wide range of local amenities, thus providing residents with opportunities to resume, or to continue to participate in, community based activities. Residents are involved in menu planning, shopping and cooking and the home aims to meet both individual resident’s preferences and nutritional needs by providing a varied menu and to develop individual skills where required. This helps to promote independence. EVIDENCE: Residents participate in a wide range of activities including tasks in the home, attending day activities outside of the home, going to drop-in centres and attending appointments with health and social care practitioners. Residents Sun House Version 1.10 Page 14 may attend local colleges, work schemes, part-time employment, light gardening, chess club, or pursue their interests through the Internet, tv, stereo or DVDs. Residents make use of local amenities including pubs, the local garage, the supermarket, local clubs, entertainment in Aylesbury civic centre or at theatres in High Wycombe or Milton Keynes. All are registered to vote. All have had the opportunity to have a holiday over the past year. Three residents chose to go to Eastbourne with staff earlier in the year and others have gone on day outings – either with other residents or with service users from day centres or clubs. Residents are encouraged and supported in maintaining links with families. Hightown has a policy with regard to personal relationships and staff have access to advice either within the organisation or through the CMHT where required. The daily routine of the home promote independence and residents pursue a range of activities both within and outside of the home. Residents have their own keys. Staff and residents interact naturally and residents can have time alone or be with others as desired. Smoking is allowed in the front lounge and in the garden. Some residents go to the pub for a drink as desired. Breakfast is usually cereal, fruit and bread although residents are welcome to cook a hot meal if they wish. Residents are involved in menu planning, shopping, preparation, cooking and clearing up. Lunch is a snack as wished. Dinner in the evening is the main meal of the day. Residents are free to snack or eat out at other times. Staff have dinner with residents. The home encourages healthy eating but perhaps with mixed results. Menu’s were supplied for the inspection. Bangers and mash was made with low fat sausages. Macaroni Cheese was accompanied by low fat garlic bread. Burgers were ‘healthy living’ and served with cheese and salad. Other meals included Chicken chasseur with rice and vegetables, pork steak with potatoes and vegetables, and omelettes with potatoes and salad. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 15 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 standard(s) 18, 19 and 20 Each resident has a personal support plan based on assessed needs which incorporates key aspects of the CPA care plan and the advice of medical staff or other health professionals. This aims to ensure that each resident receives the type and level of personal and healthcare support which meets their needs. Arrangements for the storage, control and administration of medicines are designed to ensure correct administration by trained staff and to minimise the potential for errors. EVIDENCE: The arrangements for providing care and support are summarised in the care plans of individual residents. These include resident’s preferences. Additional specialist services, including specialist nursing (most often community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) but over the past year also palliative care nurses) are accessed through community health and social services. Healthcare needs of residents are assessed and needs met in liaison with the resident’s GP and other community health services. Residents receive support in accessing services as required. Consultations with health staff in the home take place in private. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 16 Hightown has a policy governing the storage, control and administration of medicines. Staff attend an in-house training programme and are supervised until they achieve competence. This is achieved during the six month probationary period. The home has a contract with Boots for the supply of medicines. This includes a check every three months by a pharmacist and telephone advice if required. The home’s arrangements are also checked periodically by the care manager. Medicines are stored in locked metal cabinets in the office. The home has a procedure for returning medicines no longer required. No resident was selfadministering at the time of this inspection. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 17 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 standard(s) 22 and 23 The organisation’s policies with regard to complaints and the protection of vulnerable adults are accessible, supported by staff training and are designed to ensure the protection of vulnerable residents. This helps to provide a safe environment for residents. EVIDENCE: The home is required to conform to Hightown’s complaints policy and procedures. The procedure was reviewed in 2004 and a copy is provided to each resident in their individual service user guide folder. Complaints are recorded in a complaints folder which is kept in the office. The organisation has a policy on abuse and the protection of vulnerable adults. Training on ‘Abuse Awareness’ is provide at intervals throughout the year. The home has run a session for residents and staff. Staff have attended recent multi-agency POVA update training in Aston Clinton. The home did not have a copy of the most recent Buckinghamshire policy. Training is provided on understanding aggression. The organisation has a policy governing resident’s monies and secure facilities for the storage of money are available. Compliance with procedures and balances are periodically checked by the care manager. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 18 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 standard(s) Standards in this section were assessed on this inspection EVIDENCE: Sun House Version 1.10 Page 19 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 32, 33, 34,35 and 36 Procedures for the recruitment of staff appear thorough but records do not provide evidence that these are followed in all cases. This potentially exposes residents to risk. The staff team are experienced, qualified and appear well supported through supervision, staff meetings, appraisal and Hightown’s training and development programme. This provides a staff team who are aware of resident’s needs and who endeavour to assist residents in meeting those. EVIDENCE: All staff have job descriptions but these are not routinely updated by Hightown. Staff are provided with a copy of the GSCC codes of practice on appointment. Staff skills and limitations are discussed at supervision and staff have not recently undertaken duties which are considered beyond those limits. Staff interviewed during the course of this inspection appeared committed to the ethos and aims of the home. There are no volunteers. The qualities of prospective staff are assessed at interview. Induction, the probationary period, training, supervision and appraisal aim to ensure that staff qualities and skills are consistent with the aims of the home. Hightown maintain a comprehensive and varied training and development programme Sun House Version 1.10 Page 20 which is valued by staff. A copy of the 2005 training brochure was provided for the inspection. Mandatory training is reviewed annually. The programme includes training on ‘Mental Health Awareness’ and ‘Preventing and Responding to Violence’. The manager has acquired NVQ4, the deputy manager is currently pursuing NVQ4, an experienced member of staff has acquired NVQ 3, one member of staff has acquired NVQ2 and one member of staff was currently pursuing NVQ2. Staff interviewed described a thorough recruitment, induction and probation process. The home was described as efficient and friendly and the organisation as good and supportive. Individual supervision took place regularly. The staff team has a core group of experienced and well trained staff and staffing levels appear appropriate to present levels of activity. One professional respondent commented that there was not always a senior member of staff on duty and that staff did not always demonstrate a clear understanding of the care needs of residents. While one would not want to take a single comment out of proportion, the remark may reflect an issue of skill mix or rostering which the manager might wish to explore. Vacancies are currently covered by Hightown in-house bank staff which generally ensures that temporary staff are familiar with the organisation, the specialty and the home. Staff turnover and sick leave are reported to be low. Staff meetings are regularly held. Recruitment of new staff is carried out through the organisations human resources department. Applicants are required to complete an application form, to supply two references and to have an enhanced CRB certificate. Two files were examined. One had a copy of the individual’s CV, two references, CRB summary info, details of the three month probationary review and supervison notes. The other file did not have an application form, did not have a fitness declaration nor references and the notification of the CRB did not state the date on which the information was received from CRB. It was felt that these omissions were attributable to clerical oversight and that the information would have been available at Hightown’s office in Hemel Hempsted. It is essential that staff files contain the information listed in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Hightown provide a varied and comprehensive training programme. A copy of the programme was provided for the inspection. Opportunities to attend training and develop skills are much appreciated by staff. A number of staff have acquired NVQ at levels 4, 3 and 2 and other staff were currently pursuing NVQ courses at the time of the inspection. Supervision is well established in the home and all staff have an annual appraisal. The home has procedures for managing performance matters. Copies of the grievance and disciplinary procedures are available to staff in the office. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 21 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 The home has a clear view of its aims and it has developed a caring and supportive ethos which is appropriate to the needs of residents. This helps maintain an environment in which residents can progress at their own pace. The home, through compliance with the national minimum standards, any requirements made by other regulatory authorities and its own quality assurance procedures, provides a good quality environment for residents. Arrangements for the storage of confidential information are good but these may be compromised at busy times by keys being left in cabinet locks. This risks breaching the security of confidential information pertaining to individual residents. EVIDENCE: Sun House Version 1.10 Page 22 The registered manager is well qualified and experienced and was on leave at the time of this inspection. The deputy manager is experienced, having worked in the home for over six years, and is currently pursuing NVQ4. The home is well supported by Hightown and has a very clear view of its position in the wider network of mental health services in Aylesbury. The home endeavours to comply with the Care Standards Act and the Regulations, all staff are provided with a copy of the GSCC codes of practice, and the home complies with other legal requirements (including health & safety, fire and food hygiene) as known to the home and organisation. Over the past year the deputy manager, apart from pursuing NVQ4, has attended training in person centred care planning (PCP) and in managing stress at work. The ethos of the home seems clear. The homes aims to support residents to maintain independence while living in the community. There is no pressure on residents to move on before they feel ready. At the time of this inspection one resident was planning to move into independent accommodation in Aylesbury. Others seemed happy living in the home. The ethos is maintained through discussion with staff and residents in a number of meetings. Such meetings include staff handover, staff business meetings, link worker sessions with individual residents, house meetings between staff and residents, staff supervision and appraisal. Residents are involved in the running of the home. The home has developed meetings in which staff can reflect on their work and consider different ways of dealing with issues. The organisation has a policy on equal opportunities. The home is represented on Hightown’s staff forum. The homes carries out a residents survey every year. The results lead to an action plan. The last survey was carried out in April 2005. The home conforms to recommendations made by bodies such as CSCI and other relatory organisations. Boots chemists checks medicines periodically. A representative of Hightown carries out unannounced monthly visits in line with Regulation 26. Ten comment cards were received in connection with this inspection. Most respondents were satisfied with the overall care provided. Relative and friend respondents found the home welcoming, said that they were kept informed of important matters and are appropriately consulted on aspects of care – although one respondent said that they were not always consulted on changes to medication. This is a matter over which the home does not have control. One respondent added that the home is ‘..so friendly and comfortable with the clients always taking priority’. Professionals also expressed satisfaction with the overall care provided. They reported that the home communicates clearly and works in partnership with them and that their advice is appropriately incorporated into the resident’s care plan. One respondent felt that there was not always a senior member of staff on duty and that staff did not always demonstrate a clear understanding of the care needs of residents. Two comment cards were received from residents and were rather more equivocal. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 23 There was agreement on individual privacy being respected, on the home providing suitable activities and on knowing who to complain to if unhappy with the care. Neither wished to be more involved in decision making and neither appeared happy living there. The home has an extensive policy manual which is regularly updated by Hightown head office. The manual is stored in the office and is available to residents as required. Records are stored in the office and there are facilities for storing confidential records in locked cupboards. The office is a busy place with a fair amount of activity at most times of the day, but particularly at either side of mealtimes, and security of records may be compromised on such occasions. The training programme run by Hightown ensures that staff receive mandatory training at basic and refresher level in moving & handling, fire safety, first aid, food hygiene and infection control. COSHH guidelines and data sheets are stored in the office. Risk assessments have been carried out for cleaning products not locked away. The cleaning cupboard is locked when not in use and there is a locked cupboard under a sink. Water temperatures are checked and recorded weekly. Testing of portable electrical appliances (PAT) is carried out annually. A test of the home’s electrical wiring was due in 2005. The home was last inspected by the fire authority in 2000. Fire drills are conducted three monthly. Fire points are checked weekly. Emergency lights are checked monthly. Hightown organises fire training for new staff. Existing staff receive update training based on a CD rom. The manager has delegated responsibility for maintaining an overview of health & safety matters to an experienced member of staff. Fridge and freezer temperatures are checked and recorded daily. The business plan is managed from Hightown head office and is linked to the organisation’s finance cycle. Ideas for development are generated through the summer and autumn and plans are firmed up and costed through the winter for inclusion in the home’s budget by early spring. Sun House Version 1.10 Page 24 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. Where there is no score against a standard it has not been looked at during this inspection. 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 3 3 3 3 2 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 3 3 2 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score x x x x x x x Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 Sun House 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 3 2 3 3 Version 1.10 Page 25 16 17 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 Sun House Version 1.10 Page 26 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 34 Regulation Schedule 2 Requirement The Registered Manager is required to ensure that staff records maintained in the home contain the information listed in this Schedule (as amended in July 2004) Timescale for action 30 Nov 2005 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 5 Good Practice Recommendations The Registered Manager in conjunction with the Responsible Individual and others as appropriate should either amend the Associations present licence agreement or draw up a separate contract for residents which fully meets this standard The Registered Manager should ensure that confidential records are securely stored when not required by staff or residents 2. 10 Sun House Version 1.10 Page 27 Commission for Social Care Inspection 8 Bell Business Park Smeaton Close Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8JR 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 Sun House Version 1.10 Page 28 - 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!