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Inspection on 12/01/06 for Torkington House

Also see our care home review for Torkington House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 12th January 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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home does well in providing the resources and facilities for service users to engage in meaningful activities and stimulation. This includes a dedicated budget, an Activities Coordinator employed for twenty hours per week, proper planning systems for activities, opportunities for service users take part in internal and external activities and the provision of equipment such as table top games and a keyboard.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Good progress is being towards the completion of phase two of the major refurbishment programme. The standard of existing bedrooms has improved with the added features of radiator covers and covers for water pipes, which were previously exposed. The two requirements made at the previous inspection had been met. The one recommendation had also been implemented.Torkington HouseDS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.docVersion 5.1Page 6

What the care home could do better:

One requirement was made on this inspection for the home to demonstrate that new employees are physically and mentally fit for the purposes of the work, which they are to perform at the home.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Torkington House Creswick Road Acton London W3 9HF Lead Inspector Mr Gavin Thomas Unannounced Inspection 12th January 2006 11:50 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 Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for 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. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Torkington House Address Creswick Road Acton London W3 9HF 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 992 5187 0208 992 5187 Greensleeves Homes Trust Mr Chris Ghoorunsing Surnam Care Home 32 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (32) of places Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 14th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Torkington House was established in 1947 as a residential club for older people. It was later registered as a residential care home. The home is situated on a quiet street in Acton. There are no shops or services in the immediate vicinity. The property is a large attractive detached Edwardian house, dating from 1899. An extension to the home is now complete and opened. The new accommodation is attractive with state of the art facilities and en- suite bedrooms. The home is now registered to provide for thirty-two service users. Torkington House is owned and managed by Greensleeves Home Trust. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place over a period of 2.45 hours. During this time, the Inspector met with the Registered Manager, Administrator and Activities Coordinator. The Inspector did not speak with service users or staff in detail on this visit. The Inspector anticipates speaking with staff and service users in more detail at the next inspection. This was explained to the staff team. A guided tour of the premises was carried out with the Registered Manager. Service users were involved in an activity at this time and staff were in the midst of a handover between shifts. Progress with the refurbishment of existing bedrooms was also noted. All records required for inspection purposes were accessible and well maintained. The atmosphere in the home was very welcoming. Staff were friendly and professional in their approach. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Good progress is being towards the completion of phase two of the major refurbishment programme. The standard of existing bedrooms has improved with the added features of radiator covers and covers for water pipes, which were previously exposed. The two requirements made at the previous inspection had been met. The one recommendation had also been implemented. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 2 The contract/statement of terms and conditions was very well written and professionally presented. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager confirmed that contracts/statements of terms and conditions were in place between the home and all service users. The contract examined for the purpose of this inspection was signed by the service user. The contract was comprehensive. The contents exceeded the criteria as set out in standard 2.2 of the National Minimum Standards for Older People. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 10 Good practice systems were in place for promoting and maximising service users privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: A pay phone is situated in the hallway on the ground floor. This phone may also be used in the hallways on the first and second floors for added privacy. Service users may have private telephones installed in their bedrooms if requested. The Registered Manager confirmed that service users receive their mail unopened. Staff assist service users in opening their mail if required. All service users are accommodated in single bedrooms. Service users clothes are labelled to avoid clothes being mixed up. The majority of bedrooms have en suite showers. This is one of the ways in which service users privacy is maximised. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Staff receive training on promoting service users’ privacy and dignity as part of their induction. The Registered Manager also gave examples of how he monitors care practices with regards to maintaining service users’ privacy and dignity. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 The home had good systems in place for consulting with service users on activities. The record of activities was very well written. EVIDENCE: The home has an activities coordinator who works twenty hours per week. The Inspector spoke with the activities coordinator who explained that service users are involved in devising the weekly activities programme. A good recording system was in place for evidencing the types of activities service users participate in. The programme consists of a mixture of morning and afternoon activities. Some activities are integrated and alternate activities are offered to service users if they choose not to participate in activities agreed as a group. The activities coordinator has attended external training since being employed at the home. The activities coordinator gave positive feed back about the training and said that it has given her the underpinning knowledge for engaging service users in meaningful activities. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 The home has an allocated budget for activities and recreation. Service users take part in a range of in and out door activities. These include shopping, eating out, local trips to parks, supervised walks within the grounds of the home, music, table tops activities and arts and crafts. The Inspector observed service users taking part in a quiz at the time of the inspection. Some service users were also taking a daily walk within the grounds of the home. The activities coordinator was supervising service users. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 17 The home does well in providing opportunities for service users to exercise their rights and choices. EVIDENCE: Details of advocacy services are displayed in the hallway on the ground floor of the home for the benefit of service users, relatives and significant others. The Registered Manager confirmed that service users are supported to vote at local and Parliamentary elections. Service users have the choice of going to the local polling station or they have the option of postal voting. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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 & 20 Recent investment continues to improve the appearance of this home, providing a more comfortable and homely environment. Furnishings and fittings provided are of good quality. EVIDENCE: All parts of the home inspected were very well kept, clean and free from mal odours. The twenty- one bedrooms in the new extension were all occupied. The home was in the process of refurbishing the existing bedrooms, which is phase two of the major refurbishment programme. Five bedrooms were being refurbished at the time of this inspection. Therefore these bedrooms were not in use. The bedrooms already refurbished were much more homely and presentable. Apart from new furniture, replacement window and floor coverings and redecorating, additional features in the refurbished rooms include radiator covers and covering for water pipes which were previously exposed. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 Phase three of the major refurbishment programme will commence this year. The grounds of the home were well kept. The paving slabs provides a safer surface, particularly for service users who are dependent on walking aids and choose to walk around the grounds of the home. The Registered Manager confirmed that the home does not use any form of CCTV. Communal rooms provide sufficient space and seating to accommodate all service users. In total, there are two lounges and one dining room. A decking/seating area is provided to the rear of the home. Activities and functions normally take place in any of the communal rooms. The Registered Manager said that smoking is not permitted anywhere in the home. This rule applies to service users, staff and visitors. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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): 29 Staff morale in this home is good, resulting in an enthusiastic workforce that works positively with service users to improve their whole quality of life. With the exception of one requirement, recruitment practices were satisfactory. EVIDENCE: An organisational recruitment policy and procedures were in place. These were revised and updated in March 2005. The home had a vacancy for one Support Worker. The home was not using external agency staff at the time of this inspection. Two staff recruitment files were assessed against the criteria as set out in Schedule 2 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. Both files were in good order. However, it was noted that currently, prospective staff are only required to give details of any illnesses. There was no further information to demonstrate the applicant’s medical fitness. As required under Schedule 2 (6) of the Care Homes Regulations, the home must provide: “Evidence that the person is physically and mentally fit for the purposes of the work which he is to perform at the care home or, where it is impracticable for the person to obtain such evidence, a declaration signed by the person that he is so fit”. The current health declaration must be revised to meet this criteria. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 One file did not include a recent photograph of the staff member. The Registered Manager said that he had already requested this from the staff member. The Registered Manager confirmed that all Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks had been carried out on all staff at enhanced level. Evidence of CRB checks was available on both staff files examined. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 & 35 The Registered Manager has demonstrable experience relevant to the needs of the service user group. The Registered Manager also has a clear vision for this home and is well supported by the staff team. Robust systems were in place for the management of service users finances. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager has been in his current post for eleven years. The Registered Manager is a qualified nurse and is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Since qualifying as a nurse, the Registered Manager has achieved qualifications in management, caring for the elderly and the NVQ Assessors Award. During the last year, the Registered Manager has attended training in dementia care, Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 health and safety, performance development, challenging behaviour, abuse awareness, fire training and infection control. The Registered Manager was in the process of exploring relevant professional training to meet the criteria as set out in Standard 31.2 of the National Minimum Standards for Older People. Progress towards this will be monitored at the next inspection. Clear lines of accountability were in place. A Deputy Manager has been appointed since the last inspection. The Deputy Manager was not present for this inspection. However, the Registered Manager confirmed that the Deputy Manager has a wealth of experience in management and caring for the elderly. The Registered Manager confirmed that he receives professional supervision on a monthly basis and annual appraisals. The administrator is responsible for managing service users finances. Personal finances for one service user is paid directly into the home’s bank account. Proper arrangements were in place for this agreement. One Local Authority manages finances on behalf of three service users. Families and relatives manage finances on behalf of all remaining service users. All monies kept on behalf of service users for safe keeping are kept separately and locked in a safe. Monies checked for three service users were correct in accordance with the balances recorded in their individual finance records. Financial records were examined for the period April 2005 to January 2006. This showed a break down of service users finances deposited into the home’s bank account for safekeeping. The home was still in receipt of money for one service user who had died. The home or the Placing Authority are not aware of the late service user having a next of kin or any one else to whom the money should be passed on to. The Registered Manager explained that the home has consulted with the Greensleeves Home Trust and the Local Authority about the correct disposal of this money. Although the advice given at the time was to leave the funds in the home’s account until further notice, the Inspector advised that the Registered Manager should seek further advice again for this money to be removed from the home’s account. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 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 4 X X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 3 18 x 3 3 X X X X X X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 X 28 X 29 2 30 X MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X X X 3 3 X x Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 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 OP29 Regulation 19 Schedule 2(6) Requirement The home must provide evidence to demonstrate that an employee is physically and mentally fit for the purposes of the work he is to perform at the care home. Timescale for action 31/03/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard OP35 Good Practice Recommendations The home should seek further advice about monies still kept in the home’s account for one service user who has died. Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection West London Area Office 58 Uxbridge Road Ealing London W5 2ST 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 p Torkington House DS0000027744.V274216.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 - 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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