Inspection on 01/08/06 for Syne Hills

This inspection was carried out on 1st August 2006.

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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

Other inspections for this house

Syne Hills 12/01/09

Syne Hills 29/11/07

Syne Hills 01/02/06

Syne Hills 18/07/05

Syne Hills 15/12/04

Syne Hills 17/05/04

Similar services:

Hillside

Applegarth

122 Scorer Street

Byars Care Home

St Marys Nursing Home

Jubilee Villa Care Home

Bramble Lodge

Parkmanor Residential Home

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Syne Hills Syne Avenue Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 3DJ Lead Inspector Mr Ken Hague Unannounced Inspection 1st August 2006 09:00 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 Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.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. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Syne Hills Address Syne Avenue Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 3DJ 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) 01754 764329 info@synehills.co.uk Mrs Jean Sweeney Mr Christopher Matthew Sweeney Care Home 35 Category(ies) of Learning disability (2), Old age, not falling registration, with number within any other category (33) of places Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 1st February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Syne Hills care home is set in a quiet residential area of Skegness. It provides accommodation for 35 service users - 2 with a learning disability and 33 old age not falling within any other category. The home is a large Victorian building set in extensive landscaped gardens, which leads to the sand dunes and the seafront. The home is a two storey building with access to the second floor being provided by stairs and a passenger lift. Recently a ground floor extension has been added to be used for short term care. The home offers accommodation in 21 single rooms and seven double bedrooms. Public transport passes the care home. The home is close to shops, pubs and other local amenities. A car park is provided at the front of the care home. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place over 3 hours. The registered manager was present throughout the inspection. The Commission received one residents’ feedback forms (“have your say” document) from residents at the care home. The Inspector spoke to all three residents who were being case tracked as part of the inspection. Two other residents not part of the case tracking process were involved in discussions. The Inspector sat in the lounge for a period of time observing the interaction between residents and care staff and the manner in which assistance was provided to residents. Resident’s comments and opinions are reflected within this inspection report. The registered manager had a detailed, discussion with the Inspector on 27 July 2006. Feedback was given at the end of the inspection. The main method of inspection used was called ‘case tracking’ which involved selecting three residents and tracking the care they receive through the checking of their records, discussion with them and the staff, and where more appropriate observation of interaction between staff and residents. A sample of care records was inspected. The Inspector explained to the registered manager the changes introduced in the inspection process since April 2006. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The home must ensure that the lockable facilities provided to allow residents to keep medication in their bedrooms is used consistently by all residents. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.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 Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3&6 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using the available evidence including a visit to this service. A detailed assessment, which includes a risk assessment, is carried out before any new resident is admitted to the care home. An intermediate care service is not provided by the home. EVIDENCE: A sample of three resident’s files was viewed as part of the case tracking process. They all contained a comprehensive assessment including a risk assessment completed prior to the resident coming to stay in the care home. The staff and residents confirmed that the assessment had identified all of their individual needs. The registered manager stated that he ensured the company policy for assessments is followed. Assessment must be completed before a resident is admitted. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.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 at least once during a 12 month period. 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 the available evidence including a visit to this service. The home identifies the health, personal and social cares needs of each resident and records them on their care plan. The medication policy of the home is not being followed consistently. Staff respect the dignity and privacy of residents. EVIDENCE: The files of three residents being case tracked all contained a plan which set out their identified care and social needs. These needs were included in care plans and the resources identified to meet those needs were recorded. There was evidence of the involvement of GPs, district nurses and hospital consultants. General practitioner and district nurses visit the home were recorded in care records including the action taken and any changes in medication. Risk assessments were on individual residents files including the management of any identified risk. The “Have your Say” document supplied by a resident provided additional evidence that health care needs were being met by the home. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The home’s training records provided evidence that training has been provided in the administration and storage of medication. Staff confirmed that this training had taken place. A member of staff was able to describe the medication procedure in detail and discuss the medication details for the three residents being case tracked as part of the site visit. She stated that one resident’s medication had been changed in the last seven days. This statement was confirmed to be correct by the residents care records. The register manager stated that lockable facilities are being provided for residents who wish to self-medicate. Staff stated that residents who are selfmedicating use lockable facilities. However, the Inspector visited the bedroom of a resident being case tracked and found that his medication was laid on the table in his room. There was no lockable facility in the room at the time of this visit. The National Minimum Standards for medication were not therefore met in respect of this resident. The registered manager stated that this was an exception and that all of the residents self-medicating had been provided with a lockable facility. All residents interviewed stated that staff treat them with courtesy and respect their privacy and dignity. A resident being case tracked stated “the staff are very good they do respect my dignity and will not come into my room without my permission or while I am getting washed.” Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.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 at least once during a 12 month period. 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 the available evidence including a visit to this service. The home provides organised activities. Family and friends are encouraged to visit the home and keep in contact with residents. The home offers a menu, which provides choice and meets the dietary needs of individual residents. Residents are able to have choices and control over their own lifestyle. EVIDENCE: The registered manager confirmed that the home holds regular activities. Staff confirmed that activities do take place and that an activity organiser has been appointed. Residents were able to discuss the activities of the home and their individual choice of activity. Care plans of the residents being case tracked contained their choice of activities. Staff described the opportunities and social entertainment offered by the care home. Residents and staff stated that family and friends are encouraged to visit the home. Visiting was observed to be occurring during the site visit. The home has a visiting policy known to residents, which is displayed in the foyer of the care home. A second resident stated “my family visit when they can, they are made very welcome and between visits I keep in touch by phone”. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 A copy of the home’s menu showed that choice is offered to residents. Residents confirmed that they were satisfied with the choice of food provided by the care home. The likes and dislikes of residents being case tracked in respect of their diet was found recorded on the individual care plans. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.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 inspected at least once during a 12 month period. 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 the available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are protected by policies and procedures, which are in place for the handling of complaints and any allegations of adult abuse. Staff are clear of the actions to take in event of this occurring ensuring that the residents are safe. Residents are confident in being able to raise any concerns with members of staff or through residents meetings. EVIDENCE: Residents stated during the site visit that they felt confident to raise any concerns with any member of staff or the registered manager. The home holds residents meetings to obtain the opinions of people using the service. Residents spoken to as part of this inspection confirmed that they were aware of the formal complaints procedure. The “have your say” document provided evidence the staff listen and act on service users requests. A resident stated in the “have your say document”, “I am always happy to speak to members staff. Any troubles are sorted out very quickly by the matron or the registered manager”. Staff stated that they had received training in the recognition and prevention of abuse. A member of staff was able to describe the action they would take to take in respect of a scenarios given to them by the Inspector. All residents spoken to as part of this inspection stated that they felt the home is a safe place in which to stay. There have been no complaints made to the home since the last inspection or the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 and 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using the available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents live in a comfortable, homely, clean environment with a choice of communal areas and personalised bedrooms. The infection control policy of the home is being followed. EVIDENCE: The registered manager stated on 24 July 2006 that the home’s maintenance programme is continuing with an extension to two residents bedrooms. The home is well maintained with an on-going programme of redecoration and maintenance. A resident stated in the “have your say“ document that the home is always spotless, clean and fresh. No problems have been identified relating to the environment in the past three years. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Staff stated at the last two inspections that the home is a safe environment in which to work. There was no formal inspection of this standard at the site visit but areas seen within the home were clean and smelt fresh. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28,29 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using the available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well run with good leadership and guidance from the registered manager who has worked for many years in the provision of community care. The health, safety and welfare of service users is promoted. Residents needs are met. EVIDENCE: The home has a registered manager in post with many years experience in the provision of community care. A resident stated in the “ have your say” document that he is approachable and will resolve any issues. Three other residents spoken to during the site visit expressed the same view. Staff stated at the last three inspections that they found the management team supportive to staff. A resident stated in the “ have your say” document ”I believe my best interests are being met by the care home. The registered manager stated “resident’s needs are paramount”. The home has in place financial policy and procedures, which ensure that resident’s interests are protected. These policy and procedures are known to staff and meet the National Minimum Standards. The registered manager stated that the infection control policy of the home is being followed by staff who have received training in infection control. Staff training records support this Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 statement. There have been no complaints or concerns raised regarding this home in the last two years. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33,35 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using the available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well run, with leadership and guidance from the registered manager who has worked for many years in the provision of community care. Staff are being provided with supervision and appraisals in accordance with the National Minimum Standards. EVIDENCE: Staff stated in informal discussions that the management of the home is supportive to all members of staff. The staff member confirmed that supervision and appraisals are being provided in accordance with the National Minimum Standards. Supervision records for this member of staff were seen and discussed during her formal interview. Her supervision record contained details of plans for her personal development and identified training needs. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Supervision is being provided at the frequency set out in the National Minimum Standards. In the “have your say” document supplied to the Commission a resident stated that if he had any problems the management would sort them out for him. All residents interviewed felt that the management worked to ensure that the home was run in the best interest of residents. There was one health and safety issue identified during the site visit. One resident who was self-medicating while taking respite care was found to be keeping his medication in an unlocked draw and on a table in his bedroom. No lockable facility had been provided for this resident during his present stay at the care home. The registered manager stated that lockable safes were provided for this purpose. On previous periods of respite care this resident had been provided with that lockable facility. On this occasion this had not happened. A safe was provided on the day of the site visit. Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 4 X x N/a HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 3 3 X X X X X x 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 3 x x 3 Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? yes 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 Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Lincoln Area Office Unity House, The Point Weaver Road Off Whisby Road Lincoln LN6 3QN 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 Syne Hills DS0000002431.V305201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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!