Inspection on 25/05/06 for The Fields

This inspection was carried out on 25th May 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 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

The Fields 27/09/07

The Fields 27/09/05

The Fields 27/04/05

The Fields 18/11/04

The Fields 02/06/04

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Fields The Fields 123 Low Etherley Bishop Auckland Durham DL14 0HA Lead Inspector Stephen Willcock Unannounced Inspection 25th July 2006 11:00 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 The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.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. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Fields Address The Fields 123 Low Etherley Bishop Auckland Durham DL14 0HA 01388 832655 01388 835963 davis@refieldhouse.freeserve.co.uk 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) Mr Robin Davis Mrs Susan Davis Alison Brennan Care Home 25 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (25) of places The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 27th September 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Fields is a privately owned care home providing care and support for up to 25 older people. The home is situated in Low Etherley and can be accessed via a small private road that opens onto a car park at the front of the building. The Fields has been extended from the original house to provide additional bedrooms and increase the number of communal areas. The home is in its own grounds with pleasant views across the local countryside. All but two of the bedrooms have en-suite facilities. In addition to residential care, the home also provides respite care. The weekly charge for staying at the home is £364.50p and does not include chiropody, hairdressing, newspapers, toiletries, dry cleaning and transport. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The unannounced inspection took place on 25/07/06 over a period of 5 hours. During the inspection time was spent talking to service users, staff and management. Records and service users care plans were examined and a look around the home and grounds was also conducted. A high number of comment cards were received and these were generally very highly complimentary of the care provided at the home. What the service does well: 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 Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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 The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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, standard 6 was not applicable. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users are admitted to the home after a full assessment of need is carried out. EVIDENCE: A number of service users case files were looked at. These were selected as they related to service users recently admitted to the home. The files contained full assessments covering aspects of health and social needs and included assessments made by social workers or healthcare professionals. It was seen that the assessments had been carried out before the service user was admitted to the home. However, in one service user’s case file an assessment had been made in respect of self-medication but some details needed to be rechecked for accuracy. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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, and 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Care plans are clearly written and covers service users’ care needs and how these needs will be met. A satisfactory medication procedure is in use at the home. Personal care is provided to maximise and protect service users dignity and independence. EVIDENCE: Care plans for three service users recently admitted to the home were looked at. The plans gave up to date information about the service user’s care needs and how these needs would be met. There was evidence of regular evaluation of the care plans and checking by the manager. Individual needs were highlighted especially around nutritional needs and health conditions. Care plans also contained details of regular visits to and from a local doctor, chiropodist and other healthcare professionals. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Examination of medication records found them to be appropriately recorded, regularly checked and audited. In discussion, service users spoke highly of the care that was provided at the home. One service user said, “They come straight away and always attend to my needs with respect”. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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 and 15 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users enjoy a varied and fulfilling social life, maintaining contact with family and friends. Service users are encouraged to retain control over their lives. Food is served that is wholesome and appealing and in pleasant surroundings. EVIDENCE: An activity co-ordinator is employed at the home to provide interesting and varied activities including trips to the theatre, South Shields and shopping. An activities board was on display and provided details of forthcoming events. In discussion, service users commented they enjoyed the activities on offer in the home especially the musical quiz and bingo. One service user, in reply to the Commission for Social Care Inspection survey wrote, “The activities organiser is excellent and is a very important person for everyone”. Visitors are welcomed at the home at anytime and can meet with their relative in private or in the communal lounge area. One resident commented, “ We think The Fields is the best in the area, very happy with the care provided”. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Service users are encouraged to retain control of the lives and have access to a cordless telephone so they can make their own arrangements and contact family at anytime. One service user said she had made arrangements to have a new carpet fitted in her bedroom and for the room to be decorated. The home had recently taken part in the ‘Focus on Food’ project and the cooks had been able to provide meals that were wholesome and nutritious. There were many favourable comments received about the quality of food served at the home including, “Excellent meals. I have a choice of what I like and a variety is always offered”. Other comments included, “Good quality home cooking every meal”. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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 and 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home operates a complaints policy and procedure that is available to service users and their relatives. Service users are protected from abuse by a thorough recruitment and selection process and staff training in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the home has not received any complaints. In discussion, service users were able to confirm they had no complaints about the service provided and were clear on how to make a complaint if the need arose. Examination of staff members files showed evidence that Criminal Records Bureau checks had been obtained and included a check of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults register. The home provided training in Abuse Awareness and this was regularly updated. There had been no allegations of abuse at the home. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home is well maintained, clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The home had been extended from the main building and still contained a number of period features and original pieces. There was evidence of recent redecoration and records of regular maintenance. Some bathrooms had been renovated and retiled providing a pleasant and homely feel. It was noted that one bath needed some maintenance as there was no hot water to the outlet and another bath delivered hot water above the recommended 43 degrees Centigrade. In discussion, service users said they were happy with the cleanliness of the home and comments made in CSCI surveys confirmed this view. Service users that had replied to the CSCI surveys stated, “Rooms are always immaculate” The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 and “everything is always spick and span”. On the day of the inspection it was noted that the home was clean, tidy and free from odour. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home employs staff in adequate numbers and provides relevant training to meet service users’ needs. The recruitment and selection process is carried out satisfactorily. EVIDENCE: Staffing levels at the home remain constant, some staff members being employed at the home for a number of years. There are currently 16 care staff members with 4 additional ancillary staff to provide kitchen and domestic duties. Staff members have engaged in study to achieve NVQ level 2 in care and currently nearly all of the care staff members have obtained the qualification and some have gone on to achieve NVQ level 3. Staff files were also examined and were found to be up to date and contained application forms, two references and Criminal Records Bureau checks. There was evidence of the manager carrying out regular staff supervision and appraisal. The manager operated a training schedule for staff that included details of mandatory courses including fire safety, manual handling and abuse The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 awareness. Other courses relevant to service user needs were also undertaken including dementia awareness and skin integrity. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 and 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home is run in a competent and capable manner in the best interest of service users. Service users’ financial interests, health, safety and welfare are safeguarded. EVIDENCE: The manager brought a number of years experience with the client group when she took up the position in 2005 and has developed a good rapport with service users, relatives, staff and health professionals. The manager is currently studying for the Registered Managers Award and will be continuing her studies to achieve NVQ4 in care. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 A residents and relatives committee has been set up by the manager to enable views and opinions, about how the home is performing, to be aired. The manager said the committee meetings had so far not been well attended but it was intended to conduct a quality assurance survey to obtain further information about how well the home was run. The manager said questionnaires were always available for comments to be made and these would be acted upon. One service user who had recently come to stay at the home said, “I am looking forward to taking part in service user meetings”. Service users and their families are encouraged to retain control over their financial arrangements but the home does provide a service to safeguard personal allowances. Records of service users’ personal allowances were accurately recorded and showed evidence of regular checks and audit by the manager. Records of maintenance were available to be seen and contained details of work carried out and work to be done. There is a weekly check of the building to ensure that any defects are attended to promptly and all staff members have received training in health and safety measures. It was noted that a wooden ramp mentioned in the previous inspection report had been removed. The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for 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 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 4 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 3 14 3 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X X X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 4 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 The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard OP19 Regulation 13 Requirement The registered person must ensure hot water delivered at bath outlets are regulated within the specified range of close to 43 degrees Centigrade. The registered person must ensure baths deliver a hot water supply. Timescale for action 08/09/06 2 OP19 23 08/09/06 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 The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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 The Fields DS0000007508.V303904.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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!