Inspection on 25/08/05 for The Willows

This inspection was carried out on 25th August 2005.

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

The Willows 16/10/06

The Willows 31/01/06

The Willows 15/12/04

The Willows 16/06/04

The Willows 28/01/04

The Willows 03/09/03

The Willows 23/10/02

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Willows Gas House Lane Morpeth Northumberland NE61 1SW Lead Inspector Bill Middlemist Announced 25 August 2005 10:00 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationary Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Willows Address Gas House Lane Morpeth Northumberland NE61 1SW 01670 395850 n/a pauline.carr@nmht.nhs.uk Newcastle, North Tyneside & Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust Mrs Pauline Carr CRH 12 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Category(ies) of MD Mental Disorder (8) registration, with number MD(E) Mental Disorder - over 65 (4) of places The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 15/12/04 Brief Description of the Service: The Willows is small home in Morpeth that provides care and support for a mix of younger adults and older people who have mental health problems. There are three separate bungalows within the attractive and well-maintained grounds. This home is placed close to a number of good local amenities, and is close to local transport services. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an announced inspection and lasted for 5 hours. 6 residents offered their views on what it is like to live at The Willows. Questionnaires were sent to residents and relatives and these comments are included in the report. 3 members of staff contributed to the inspection, and the Manager was available throughout. Kitchens and bathrooms were inspected while touring the building and 1 person requested that their room was inspected. Documents relating to people’s care and support were inspected and discussed with the Manager. Matters relating to the Health and Safety of the people who live at the home were also inspected. What the service does well: The Willows has very good systems for assessing people and planning for their care and support; this planning is done with the people concerned. The delivery of care and support is carried out with sensitivity. Each person has a suitable range of leisure, education and therapeutic activities they can take part in. This home is very good at supporting people when they are unwell and encourages people to manage their own conditions. Staff are well trained and are enthusiastic about what they achieve with people. The service is very well managed. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 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 Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 2 Each person has had their needs and ambitions properly assessed EVIDENCE: Of the 3 files inspected, each had a comprehensive range of assessments carried out Health and Social Care professionals. The home is currently carrying out their own assessments, with the involvement and co-operation of residents, using an evidence-based tool that is suitable for the people who live there. Where changing needs have been identified, referrals have been made to the appropriate agency, resulting in reassessments. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 6, 7, 9 People are involved in their own care planning. The home encourages and supports people to make their own decisions. People’s preferred activities and lifestyles are supported by good risk assessments. EVIDENCE: The existing arrangements for care planning have been commended and each plan reflects what is important to people. A new system is currently being introduced that is based on evidence-based practice with the involvement of residents. One person was especially enthusiastic about this new system and was finding the process very helpful to them. The Manager explained that this work is in depth and that it will take time to complete the plans with all residents. People are encouraged to make their own decisions whenever possible; where there may be an element of risk this is recognised and a risk assessment is carried out; these risk assessments emphasise people’s own strengths and individual vulnerabilities. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 13, 16, 17 People are encouraged to be part of the local community; their rights and responsibilities are recognised and respected. Each person is offered a healthy diet. EVIDENCE: Several people said that they regularly use local shops, pubs and other places in the local community that interest them. There is an interesting range of activities that people can join if they wish, but one person who needs extra support said that there could be more staff – this was discussed with the Manager who said that interviews for new staff were due to take place the same week. Everyone spoken to said that the meals prepared for them were good; menus are varied and people know that they can request an alternative meal if they do not wish to eat what is offered from the menu. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 18, 19 People receive personal support in the way that suits them. People’s physical and emotional health needs are being met. The work carried out in these standards is commendable. EVIDENCE: Three people were especially enthusiastic about the support they received from staff; one described how they are given “fantastic” support when they are beginning to feel unwell, while another said that staff were “very supportive”. One visiting relative was full of praise for the way staff carried out their duties. There was a good sense of people being given the right kind of information and support to manage their own conditions. All of the home’s systems ensure that people’s physical and mental health is properly addressed and that any early warning signs are quickly acted upon. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 22 People living at The Willows feel that their views are listened to and acted upon. EVIDENCE: Each person who lives at The Willows is aware of the complaints procedure; an advocacy agency is used to ensure people’s independent views will be heard regarding any matters of quality or concern. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 24, 30 The Willows provides a comfortable and safe place for people to live in. Everywhere inspected was clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: Each of the three bungalows is well presented and accessible for the people who live there. Each bungalow has a programme of ongoing repairs and decoration. There were a few matters that needed to be attended to and these were discussed with the Manager; no requirements or recommendations have been made as this home has a history of sorting things out quickly. There are good arrangements to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 32, 35 People are supported by a competent and qualified staff team. There is a good, ongoing training programme for staff. EVIDENCE: Residents were very complimentary about the staff’s skills and qualities. Staff know about what is important to the people who live at The Willows and were observed treating people with respect and dignity. Training for staff includes the subjects required by law such as Food Hygiene, Fire Safety, and Infection Control. Further training is provided that relates to the individual needs of people. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 38, 42 The management approach of the home leads to good outcomes for the people living there. Good consideration is given to the Health and Safety of people. EVIDENCE: The management approach of the home makes it easy for the people who live there to air their views. The Manager is competent, enthusiastic, reflective and experienced. A new system for Quality Assurance is to be introduced in October. All matters relating to Health and Safety that were inspected were satisfactory. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score x 3 x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 4 3 x 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x x 3 x x 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x 3 x x 3 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Willows Score 4 4 x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x 4 x x x 3 x B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard Regulation Requirement No requirements have been made at this inspection. 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. 1. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations No recommendations have been made at this inspection. The Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northumbria House Manor Walks, Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Willows B53-B03 S647 The Willows V233528 250805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 - 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. 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