Inspection on 19/06/07 for The Mellows

This inspection was carried out on 19th June 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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 Mellows 19/06/08

The Mellows 30/05/06

The Mellows 21/10/05

The Mellows 05/05/05

The Mellows 19/11/04

The Mellows 15/07/04

Similar services:

Claremont House

Oak Ridge

Sun Court Nursing Home

Ashville House

Bilney Hall

Hill Barn

Mabbs Hall Nursing Home

Henrietta House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Mellows 38 Station Road Loughton Essex IG10 4NX Lead Inspector Jane Greaves Key Unannounced Inspection 19th June 2007 10:00 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 Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.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 Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Mellows Address 38 Station Road Loughton Essex IG10 4NX 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) 0208 508 6017 0208 508 4649 The Mellows Limited Mrs Bhavi Patel Care Home 23 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (15), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (23) of places The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. Persons of either sex, aged 65 years and over, who require care by reason of old age only (not to exceed 23 persons) Persons of either sex, aged 65 years and over, who require care by reason of dementia (not to exceed 15 persons) The total number of service users accommodated in the home must not exceed 23 persons 30th May 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Mellows care home provides residential care for up to 23 older people (over 65 years), in twenty-one single and one shared rooms. The home is situated in the centre of Loughton within easy walking distance of local shops and amenities. Accommodation is provided on two floors, with three levels overall. Access to all levels is provided by a passenger shaft lift. There is a good-sized garden to the rear of the property, with a patio area accessed directly from the lounge/dining room. The home is accessible by road, bus and underground, with the nearest station and bus stops a short walk away. Parking is available for several cars in the private car park at the front of the building. The fees charged for care and accommodation at The Mellows ranged from £440 to £592 per week excluding personal items such as toiletries, chiropody services and hairdressing. This information was given by the registered provider on 19th June 2006. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced Key Inspection was carried out on the 19th June 2007. The visit included • Speaking with the people living at the home. • Speaking with a visitor • Discussion with the manager, deputy manager, registered provider and staff. • A tour of premises. • Observation of care practice. • Looking at records and documents. This report has been written using accumulated evidence gathered prior to and during the inspection. 21 of the 38 National Minimum Standards for Older People and the intended outcomes of these were assessed during this inspection process. • • • 10 Standards were judged to be things the home does well for The people who live there. 9 Standards were judged to be the things that need a little improvement. 2 Standards were judged to be the things that the home needs to improve greatly to keep people safe and make their lives happier. Comments received from families of the people living at the home were generally positive about the care and support provided by the staff. What the service does well: • • The registered provider had given staff clear and detailed procedures for the safe and appropriate handling of medication. People who live at the home are supported by experienced staff who are qualified to meet their needs. What people living at the home and their relatives had to say (these quotes have been made anonymous): • • • • My relative has settled into the home a treat. My relative feels like this is home. The staff are very, very good to my relative. I have never heard a cross word spoken to the people who live there. DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The Mellows • • • • • My relative’s room has always been clean. I am very pleased; my relative is always clean and tidy when I visit. I believe they eat quite well. Really and truly we have no worries. They do a very difficult job well. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Most people expressed satisfaction with the care provided and said they could not think of any way the home could improve. One person thought that the home should be more flexible about visitors being at the home when meals were being served. One person felt that communication with families could be better when a person living at the home is unwell or has an accident. This is what the inspector found: • The home was not following all the required procedures for recruiting and selecting staff. They must do this to protect people living at the home from people who might not be fit or be suitable to support them. Some staff had not received all the training they needed to support and keep people safe. Care plans needed to continue to be developed for all the people living at The Mellows to ensure all their needs and wishes and the actions required from staff to support the person are clearly detailed. Personal information about the people that lived at the home were not stored appropriately and securely. The kitchen and the kitchen equipment were not kept sufficiently clean to protect the health and safety of people living at the home. Individuals were not offered a choice of main meal every day. DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 • • • • • The Mellows • Complaints made about the services or facilities provided at The Mellows were not always properly recorded in writing, maintained separately and indexed so that any trends or patterns could be identified. The people living at the home would benefit from the owner continuing improve the decor. The quality assurance and monitoring system needed to be developed to ensure that the views of people living in the home are known and to measure the success in meeting the aims and objectives of the home. Evidence must be available at the care home to show that the health and safety of people living at the home is safeguarded. • • • Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3 and 6. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People’s needs are fully assessed prior to admission so the individual and the home can be sure the placement is appropriate. EVIDENCE: The home has a Statement of Purpose that sets out the objectives and philosophy of the service. The home’s Service User Guide details what service and facilities prospective individuals can expect. Admissions are not made into the home until a full needs assessment has been undertaken by a person trained and competent to do so. Where a person is admitted with a Care Management Assessment the home still undertakes an independent assessment and these two documents form the basis of the individual’s plan of care. The deputy manager reported that family members are asked to attend the initial assessments where possible. Day visits are offered to people considering making The Mellows their home so they can ‘get a feel’ of what it would be like to live there. It was reported that a member of The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 staff is allocated to sit with people when they are first admitted into the home in order to provide reassurance. Those people spoken with were not able to confirm this. The Mellows does not provide intermediate care. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 9 and 10. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Practices & procedures are in place to ensure that residents physical health needs were met. EVIDENCE: The care plans of three people were seen and these showed that many of the needs of each person had been identified and recorded. Helpful and positive discussions were held with the deputy manager and owner regarding how the care plans can be developed further and made more person centred in order to meet the needs and wishes of individuals, this was ‘work in progress’. Areas that were covered included mobility, personal hygiene, continence, nutrition, and communication, night needs and pressure area care. The files had risk assessments for moving and handling and falls. All the care plans were regularly evaluated and signed by the staff member, some contained evidence of family involvement. The files included some life history work and a photograph of the person. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 There were records of visits from and to GPs and community nurses and contact details of other health professionals involved in the care of the individuals. Care practice was observed during the day and it was noted that staff knocked on doors before entering. People were addressed respectfully and offered choices about where they wanted to sit. The home had a policy and procedure for the administration of medication. A Monitored Dosage System for the administration of medication was in use. All medication was kept in a locked cupboard. The Medication Administration Record sheets seen were up to date. There was a desk positioned in the communal lounge diner for the care staff to write daily records and undertake any other administration necessary to their role. It was noted that on an open shelf adjacent to this desk were records relating to personal care and support of the people living at the home such as care plans, daily report, nightly report, medication book and a file entitled ‘residents details’. This information is personal and private to the individuals and a discussion was held with the deputy manager and owner about how it should not be on open display within the home. It was evident from discussions with residents that they considered staff to be courteous and respectful of their right to privacy. Family members reported being overall reasonably happy with the care provided for the people living at the home. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 and 15. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents had regular opportunities to engage in activities and were encouraged to maintain contact with family members. EVIDENCE: Staff socially interacted with people before lunch was served and during the afternoon. Some were noted sitting quietly with individuals and others were facilitating group activities such as games. Records showed that board games, quizzes, reminiscence sessions and puzzles were often used for stimulation. It was reported that people enjoyed ‘pat dogs’ visiting the home and one occasion where a ‘mystery tour’ had been arranged. Community contact consisted of visits to the supermarket, a Church minister visiting the home every 6 weeks and the local schools and brownies at Christmas time. It was reported that relatives took some individuals out in into the community in wheelchairs, a discussion was held with the deputy manager around staff taking people out when the weather accommodates. A discussion was held around the risk management framework supporting the people living at the home to enjoy activities as opposed to restricting choices. One visitor spoken with confirmed that they were able to visit at any time The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 outside of scheduled mealtimes. Whilst it was understood that mealtimes were important this did hamper this person’s contact with their family member. One family member spoken with subsequent to this visit reported “we are not allowed to stay over meal times so I can’t tell you what the food is like. My relative says they like the food.” The registered provider reported that the kitchen facilities were due to be resited once some development takes place at the home. The current facilities were tired and in need of updating. The oven was dirty and open shelves were in need of cleaning. The home did not have a dedicated cook in post. It was reported that there had been 5 cooks recruited in 7 years and the decision had been taken to nominate care staff to be daily cook. It was reported that a couple of work experience students had spent time with the residents exploring their food likes and dislikes. The manager and deputy then combined this information with what food is seasonally available to develop menus. Daily choices of menu were not offered it was reported “we know what the residents like or not, if they don’t like it they don’t eat it. Subsequent to this visit the registered manager reported that something else is provided if they haven’t eaten properly or if they don’t like what is on the menu. Diabetic and Gluten Free diets were catered for. Six staff members had received Basic Food Hygiene training, a further seven staff members were booked to attend this training on 31st July 2007 The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 and 18. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living at the home are protected from abuse and any complaints are responded to and managed. EVIDENCE: The deputy manager struggled to locate a copy of the home’s complaints policy and procedure. The home did not maintain a separate folder for complaints. Any complaint or concern was dealt with and filed within the individual’s folder in the office. The home had received one written complaint since the previous visit; this had been dealt with promptly and effectively. Various family members spoken with referred to concerns they had raised with the home’s management such as individuals’ personal clothing missing from their rooms, an offensive aroma present in the home, the appearance of bruising and not being kept informed of falls. In all cases the family members reported being satisfied with the home’s response to the issue and the speed of the response however these had not been logged as complaints at the home. A discussion was held with the deputy manager around maintaining a dedicated complaints/compliments folder and the benefits of using this to identify any ‘trends’ in the shortfall of the service provision. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 People spoken with said they felt safe at The Mellows and were confident to make a complaint if the need arose. The deputy manager had undertaken a ‘train the trainer’ course in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults and delivered in house training to all the staff. The training was delivered in small ‘bite size’ sessions and involved role-play and question and answers. The registered manager reported that the service was very proactive in making the staff team aware of the home’s policy on PoVA. Abuse awareness was reported to be a regular agenda item at staff meetings and staff members confirmed this. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 and 26. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people living at The Mellows felt comfortable and safe. EVIDENCE: A physical tour of the building was undertaken to assess the general state of décor and standard of maintenance. On entering the building there was an offensive aroma present however the home had an air freshening device and by mid day the aroma had gone. Paintwork in some communal hallways was tired and in need of freshening up. A first floor bathroom containing a Parker bath had flooring that appeared dirty around the edges. The registered person reported that the communal lounge area was scheduled for refurbishment within ‘a couple of weeks’ of this visit, including new armchairs and carpets. Three empty bedrooms are to be refurbished. The kitchen floor, shelves and some pieces of equipment were in need of cleaning. The registered provider reported that new Kitchen facilities would be provided imminently as part of further development of the home. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The lounge area was arranged in seating groups, which helped to provide a homely atmosphere. Some people spoken with reported that the home was comfortable and met their needs. One family member reported not being pleased with the facilities provided at the home however was happy with the care the person received. Other comments received from family members included: “ My relative’s room is always clean and tidy” and “A lack of maintenance to the building over recent times” Hot water temperatures were identified as being a concern at the previous visit. These were randomly tested at this visit and were found to be appropriate to safeguard the safety and well being of the people living at the home. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 and 30.Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are sufficient numbers of staff day & night to meet the needs of people living at The Mellows and safeguard their welfare, however the people couldn’t be confident that recruitment procedures always protected their safety and well-being. EVIDENCE: On arriving at the home it was noted that four care staff and the deputy manager were on the duty rota for this morning. The rota confirmed that this was the normal level of staffing for this shift. One staff member was nominated as cook, one was attending to laundry duties and two were providing care. It was reported that the laundry duties did not normally get attended to at this time of day and that the carer was ironing a shirt for one specific person. Staff reported that there were sufficient staff members on duty to carry out their duties and the people living at the home confirmed this. In the afternoon the staff members spent time with people both on a one to one basis and involving people in group activities. Some staff members were observed interacting with individuals in a sensitive and caring manner. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Records showed that three care staff had achieved NVQ 2 in care; one was currently undertaking the award. This did not meet the recommended ratio of 50 of the care staff team. Four staff members were due to start working towards this qualification in September 2007. 50 of the care staff employed to work at the home were from overseas and held professional nursing qualifications from their country of origin. Recruitment documents were sampled for three staff members employed to work at the home since the previous visit. These records were for overseas staff recruited using an agency. References were addressed ‘to whom it may concern’ and had not been verified by the home. Information was provided subsequent to this visit outlining how background checks were obtained by the agency when recruiting overseas staff with work permits. Records showed that checks had been made against the Protection of Vulnerable Adults register for overseas staff recruited using an agency however this was more than three months after the individuals had started to work at the home. The deputy manager explained that these staff members were trained nurses in their home country and had come directly to work at The Mellows upon entering the UK. Evidence was available to confirm that these staff members were eligible to work in the UK and had induction training as soon as they joined the staff team; this was not Skills for Care induction training. A training schedule was made available subsequent to this site visit. This indicated that training in areas necessary to provide the staff with the skills to care for people safely such as moving and handling, medication administration, the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from abuse and fire awareness had been attended by the staff team. Training to meet the specific needs of people living in the home such as Dementia awareness had been provided for 5 care staff and 7 individuals had been booked to attend this training in August 2007. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35 and 38. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The manager is qualified, competent to run the home and is improving systems to monitor compliance with policies and procedures to promote and protect the health, safety and well being of people living at the home. More work is needed in this area. EVIDENCE: The previous report for this service identified that the hot water temperature was a concern as it was in excess of 43 degrees Celsius. Random checks were made at this visit and those taps sampled delivered water at temperatures that safeguarded the people living there. It was reported that some faulty thermostats had been replaced two weeks before this visit. Records indicated that water temperature checks were routinely made 6 monthly. It was recommended at this visit that these checks should be made more frequently The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 to ensure the safety and well being of the vulnerable people living at The Mellows. Records were available to confirm that fire alarms were tested weekly; the registered provider reported that the home did not undertake any emergency evacuation practices. Certificated evidence was provided that confirmed installation, passenger lift and hoists had been serviced. Gas and Electrical The Environmental Health Officer had visited the home in February 2007. There was no evidence to confirm that checks were made to identify or prevent any risk from Legionella. The registered provider had attended a course to qualify him to undertake Portable Appliance Testing, it was reported that these tests took place 2 yearly and were due now. Records showed that one staff member had received Health and Safety training. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 2 8 3 9 3 10 1 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 2 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X X X 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 1 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 2 X 3 X X 2 The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 OP10 Regulation 12 (4) (a) Requirement Timescale for action 31/07/07 2 OP15 OP26 16(2)(j) 3 OP29 13, 17 Sh 419 Sh 2 4 OP38 OP30 13 (4) (c) The home must be conducted in a manner to promote people’s privacy and dignity. This relates to how peoples personal details are stored at the home. All areas of the home including 31/07/07 the kitchen must be kept clean and hygienic to protect the health and well being of the people living at the home. Staff must be recruited according 31/07/07 to procedures required by regulation to protect people living at the home from people who might not be suitable to work with them. The home must obtain for each person, prior to their appointment, a completed check against the Protection of Vulnerable Adults register and two written references. All persons working in the home 30/09/07 must receive appropriate training in Health and Safety for their work of supporting and keeping people safe The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 OP38 Good Practice Recommendations It is a recommendation of good practice that water temperatures are checked more frequently to reduce the risks of scalds to people living at the home. The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Colchester Local Office 1st Floor, Fairfax House Causton Road Colchester Essex CO1 1RJ National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Mellows DS0000059391.V343701.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 - 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!