Inspection on 10/02/06 for Symonds House

This inspection was carried out on 10th February 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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

Symonds House 27/04/07

Symonds House 21/07/05

Symonds House 24/03/05

Symonds House 22/07/04

Similar services:

Claremont House

Sun Court Nursing Home

Bramley Avenue (73)

15 Bramble Close

Dolphin Court

Fen Road

Wakes Hall

165 Putnoe Lane

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Symonds House 2 Lavender Fields Lucas Lane Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 2JB Lead Inspector Mr Robert Kittle Unannounced Inspection 10th February 2006 11:00 Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Symonds House Address 2 Lavender Fields Lucas Lane Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 2JB 01462 452460 01462 440186 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) Leonard Cheshire Margaret Hayman Care Home 20 Category(ies) of Physical disability (20), Physical disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (20), Terminally ill (20) of places Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 21st July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Symonds House is a purpose built establishment providing specialist support and personal care to 20 service users. The building is situated in the heart of the residential area of Hitchin. Local amenities are accessible; with the town centre only a short drive away. Symonds House is a two storey property with the main living and residential areas all on the lower floor, the building has facilities for the provision of activities, with offices, staffing facilities and a training suite available on the first floor. The building is surrounded by landscaped gardens with all areas accessible for persons requiring wheelchair assistance. There is a large car park to the front of the building providing ample parking for staff and visitors and the home vehicles. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second inspection of Symonds House during the current inspection year and was undertaken by one inspector. Many of the national minimum standards were thoroughly examined during the inspection that took place on 21 July 2005 and reference should be made to that report for standards not covered on this occasion. As was recorded following the last inspection, this was an extremely positive inspection during which many examples of good practice were noticed. The manager, her staff and volunteers should be congratulated on their stirling work to ensure the continuity of such good standards of care practice. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The staff and their supporters are constantly seeking ways in which the service can be improved. During this inspection, it was noted that there were running repairs being carried out to the fabric of the building and the care practice was very good. Therefore, on this occasion, there was nothing identified that the service could, or should, be doing do better. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 2 and 4 There is a comprehensive assessment process that includes opportunities for prospective residents to receive home visits as well as to experience time at Symonds House. EVIDENCE: Potential residents receive a full assessment of both their needs and aspirations. This includes a visit to the pre-admission location to ensure that there is a clear understanding of how individuals are coping, as well as an invitation to visit and experience the facilities and social life on offer. Prior to an admission, staff will have obtained social and medical reports and will have begun an Individual Support Plan. This ensures that appropriate care and support begin as soon as an admission takes place. Four new residents have been through this process since the last inspection took place. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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, 8 and 9 Residents are actively involved in their own care planning and are consulted on every aspects of community life in the home. Risk taking is acknowledged as a consequence of daily living and full consultation takes place with individuals as part of the on-going review systems. EVIDENCE: At the start of this inspection, one of the residents was working on his individual plan with a staff member. He later spoke with the inspector and confirmed that residents’ views are actively sought and acted upon. Examples included residents voting to create a non-smoking environment and an individual resident negotiating an appropriate level of self-medication. Since the last inspection took place, fund raising has been so successful that a third vehicle will be provided on 6 March 2006. This will enable individual residents with wider wheelchairs to enjoy individual outings. Staff arrange for residents to go out as much as possible, especially at weekends. During this inspection, a resident went out for lunch with a member of care staff. Recently, Letchworth Broadway put on a film show especially for twelve of the residents. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 During the course of this inspection, a volunteer was undertaking a music session. This was well supported and was clearly appreciated by all who attended. Other examples of what is on offer include portable sensory equipment that has been ordered and the extensive work currently being undertaken in the grounds with GE Life and lottery funding to create interesting features in the grounds (such as a greenhouse and gazebos). Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 Residents are encouraged to live full and active lifestyles. EVIDENCE: As described earlier in this report, residents are actively involved in the formulation and review of their ISP’s. There is a range of activities on offer, both at the home and in the community at large. Reference is also made elsewhere to the facilities and equipment available to enhance aspects of daily living. There are monthly residents’ meetings at which any subject is open for debate. The outcomes of these meetings directly influence the way in which the home is run. Two care supervisors have recently made contact with a dietician and arrangements are in hand for her to talk to residents and staff about healthy living. This will help all parties when reviewing the winter and summer menu plans. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): This section was thoroughly covered in the inspection that took place on 21 July 2005 EVIDENCE: Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): This section was thoroughly covered in the inspection that took place on 21 July 2005. EVIDENCE: Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): This section was thoroughly covered in the inspection that took place on 21 July 2005. EVIDENCE: In addition to information recorded as part of the last inspection, it was noted that one of the housekeepers undertakes the monitoring of health and safety issues and carries out an assessment each week. A senior staff member has been identified as the Health and Safety Officer and regular audits are undertaken by staff from the Regional office. It was also noted that two residents are carrying out a trial of environmental controls. The inspector was particularly grateful to one resident who volunteered to forgo the music session to demonstrate this equipment. The home has a well-equipped computer room and all residents have e-mail addresses. This additional information, coupled with the additional information about transport has caused the Commission to revise its earlier scoring of National Minimum Standard 29. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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, 33 and 35. Irrespective of their job descriptions and professional status, all staff appeared to be wholly dedicated to understanding and meeting resident’s needs. EVIDENCE: Staff were able to confirm that the Leonard Cheshire organisation provided a thorough programme of training for them. The team are patently enthusiastic about their work and there was a good rapport between them and the residents. The team, which also includes some volunteers, work well together to provide a good quality of life for residents. Individual plans are dynamic and change to match changing needs and wishes. In addition to this, staff support residents on an individual basis and well as collectively to meet identified needs. This was evident from talking to individuals as well as through observation of the routines of the home. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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 and 39 There was abundant evidence that service users are at the centre of all meaningful activity in this home and that their views are actively sought and acted upon. EVIDENCE: Information contained in this and the last inspection report combine to demonstrate that this is a well-run, friendly yet efficient home. The views of residents are respected and acted upon. Residents that were asked were able to provide anecdotal examples of how they are routinely empowered to take control of their daily living. There are residents’ meetings held every month and a representative from each unit is elected for a year. The home is also the venue for the Disabled People’s Forum (DPF). The DPF is independently operated and regularly meets at the home as well as organising training (such as assertiveness training) for residents. Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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 3 3 X 4 3 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 X 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 4 30 X STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 3 34 X 35 4 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X 3 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 X 16 X 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X X X 4 X 3 X X X X Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Symonds House DS0000058598.V277896.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Office Mercury House 1 Broadwater Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3BQ 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. 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