Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 24/02/06 for Verulam House Nursing Home

Also see our care home review for Verulam House Nursing Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 24th February 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 is well maintained and provides spacious and individual accommodation for residents. Residents spoken with confirmed that the food served is of a high standard and that there is a wide variety of activities offered, including "Night Owl" activities, provided in the evenings. Residents generally praised the care staff and said they were "well looked after". Staff are well trained and able to provide specialist care when required, including palliative care, as seen during the inspection. Residents are supported to maintain their independence, where possible, and receive high standards of care in all areas.

What has improved since the last inspection?

There is an on going programme of maintenance in the home and several areas have been redecorated since the last visit. The bathroom on the top floor has been refurbished. Staff have attended training courses including Adult Protection and First Aid and levels of staff supervision have increased.

What the care home could do better:

Some of the bathrooms were being used to store equipment during the visit and these areas should be kept clear to ensure resident safety at all times. In response to the report the providers state that bathrooms cannot be used independently by any service user and are cleared of all equipment prior to use by staff.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Verulam House Nursing Home Verulam Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4DH Lead Inspector Pat House Unannounced Inspection 24th February 2006 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 Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.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. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Verulam House Nursing Home Address Verulam Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4DH 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) 01727 853 991 01727 855 059 Verulam Health Care Limited Anne Schofield Care Home 50 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (50), Terminally ill over 65 years of age (5) of places Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. Within the overall capacity, this home may accommodate 50 older people who require nursing or convalescent care. Within the overall capacity, this home may accommodate 5 service users between the ages of 55 and 64. Within the overall capacity, this home may accommodate up to 5 service users, 55 years of age of over, who require Terminal Care. 21st September 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Verulam House provides nursing and personal care to older people and is registered to provide terminal care for 5 people over 65 and 5 people aged between 55 and 64 years. The home is a three storey listed building, with a passenger lift and most of the 50 bedrooms have en-suite facilities. The building was formerly the Bishop’s Palace and has been extended to provide a high standard of accommodation, whilst retaining many original features. There are two main lounges, an activities room, a large dining room and a converted Chapel, all providing spacious communal areas on the ground floor. The residents’ bedrooms are all individual in style and size although most are large. There is parking to the front and side of the building and there are large, well maintained gardens to the rear and patio areas near to the house. Verulam House is situated in the heart of St. Albans and is within walking distance of all the shopping, leisure and transport facilities, which are available in the city. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection was unannounced and took place over part of one day with two inspectors. Service users and staff were spoken with and a sample of records was checked. All areas of the building were visited and the mid-day meal was served during the visit. A staff training course was taking place during the visit and the trainer was spoken with briefly. Two visiting relatives also spoke to the inspectors. 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. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 1,2,4 and 5. Standard 3 was assessed and met at the last inspection. Prospective residents are able to make informed choices about moving into the home as they receive detailed written information and can make trial visits to the home. Procedures for staff training ensure that the varied needs of residents can all be met. EVIDENCE: The home has an appropriate Statement of Purpose and this is available to all residents and families. Each resident also has a written contract with the home, which sets out the terms and conditions of occupancy. Levels of staff training are good and ensure that all specialist needs are met in the home. The home has registration to provide terminal care and a resident, who was receiving this care, praised the staff and the way she was being looked after. Certificates were displayed in the home for courses the activity co-ordinator had completed and these courses included those specialising in dementia provision. During the inspection, a prospective resident was visiting the home, and had lunch in the dining room, so that she could fully assess whether to take up a place at the home. Standard 6 does not apply to this home. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 10 and 11. Standards 7,8 and 9 were assessed and met at the previous visit. Residents in the home are satisfied that their privacy is always promoted and they are treated with respect by all staff members. Procedures in the home ensure that all possible care and attention will be given to residents at times of illness and death. EVIDENCE: The residents who were spoken with, all said that staff in the home always treated them with respect and knocked and waited before entering their bedrooms. Many residents have their own telephone line and all are able to access a telephone in private when they wish to. The Manager said that visits from the doctor or nurse would always take place in private, usually in bedrooms. There are no shared rooms in the home. One resident receiving Palliative care was spoken with, along with her daughter. Both were very pleased with the care provided at the home and said that the family were kept fully informed of the ongoing situation and were welcome to visit at any time. The resident had a named key worker and said the G.P. was called at appropriate times. A detailed assessment of care plans was not made at this visit, but a few were seen and the improvements previously started were being maintained. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 However the reviews in two plans needed updating and a general discussion took place about where evidence of specific care procedures might be recorded for ease of access. This area will be reviewed at the next inspection. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 13. Standards 12,14 and 15 were assessed and met at the last visit. Residents can be assured that they will be supported to maintain contact with friends and relatives in accordance with their wishes. EVIDENCE: Residents spoken with confirmed that they could see visitors in private whenever they wished and that they could choose whom they saw or whom they did not wish to see. Relatives are given details about the home’s procedures for contacting residents and are able to visit the home at any time. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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): 16,17 and 18. Residents can be confident that their financial and legal rights will be protected in the home and that any complaints will be listened to. EVIDENCE: The home has a written complaints policy and the residents spoken with confirmed they would feel comfortable telling staff if they had a concern. The Manager said that all residents in the home are registered to vote in elections. The home has a written policy on Adult Abuse and this was seen during the visit. Staff confirmed they were aware of the home’s Whistle Blowing policy. The home has a written policy on Service Users’ money and this was also seen. The procedure for handling the residents’ finances was checked and was in order. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 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): 19,20,21,22,23,24,25 and 26. Residents in the home benefit from living in a well maintained environment with excellent communal facilities, which is kept clean and hygienic, and adds to their well being. EVIDENCE: All areas of the home, seen on the day, looked very attractive and well maintained. The bath on the top floor of the home had been replaced and there is an ongoing maintenance programme, which includes regular redecoration and re-carpeting plans. There is extensive communal space in the home including a second small dining area to give residents extra choice. Adaptations and aids have been installed in appropriate places and there are sufficient bathrooms and toilets to meet all the residents’ needs. Bedrooms are spacious and most are furnished with the residents’ belongings. All furniture and fittings provided by the home are of high quality. Hot water, checked during the visit, was being delivered at safe temperatures and all areas were clean. Good procedures for infection control were being followed by staff and there were no unpleasant odours in any parts of the home. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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): 30. Standards 27,28 and 29 were assessed and met at the last inspection. Staff in the home are well trained and able to meet the individual needs of residents in the home. EVIDENCE: There is a training overview for staff in the home and this area is given a high priority. All new care staff members complete induction training as soon as they are appointed and have foundation training provided within the first six months. Currently some staff have completed training in Adult Protection and others are booked on this course. Care staff receive specialist training, such as Diabetic Care, as appropriate and those spoken with said the levels of training in the home were very good. There was an emergency first aid course taking place in the home during the visit and the content of this was briefly discussed with the trainer. The housekeeping staff who were spoken with, confirmed they had Health and Safety training, with regular updates, but not separate Moving and Handling training. It was recommended that all staff in the home have this Handling training provided. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 & 38 The management, staff support, record keeping and financial systems at Verulam are all sound and residents benefit from living in a well run home. Procedures followed also promote the health and welfare of residents and staff, although bathrooms in the home should be kept clear of stored items to ensure safety. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager has a nursing qualification and several years experience as a senior manager. The Manager is also currently completing the NVQ Registered Manager’s Award. Staff and residents spoken with said that there was effective management in the home and that their views could be expressed at staff and residents’ meetings and that the Manager was supportive and approachable. The home has a written Quality Assurance programme and residents regularly complete questionnaires after which their views are analysed. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 The home has adequate insurance cover in place and, as already stated appropriate records are maintained for handling residents’ money. Care staff confirmed they have formal supervision and the Manager said it was aimed to complete this supervision every two months. Records are kept securely in the home and offices are locked when not in use. Accidents are appropriately documented by staff in the home and appropriate information is sent to the CSCI. Residents and staff confirmed that fire drills take place and that fire equipment is regularly tested. There were, however, two bathrooms, which were being used to store equipment, including zimmers and weighing scales, and toiletries had been left in the bathroom on the residential unit. A requirement has been made that bathrooms must not be used for storage, as this detracts from a homely environment and may compromise service users safety. In response to the report the providers state that bathrooms cannot be used independently by any service user and are cleared of all equipment prior to use by staff. Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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 3 3 x 4 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 x 8 x 9 x 10 3 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 x 13 3 14 x 15 x COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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 OP38 Regulation 23(2)(l) Requirement The Registered Provider must ensure that the bathrooms in the home are not used to store equipment and are kept clear to ensure the safety of service users. Timescale for action 24/04/06 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 Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Office Mercury House 1 Broadwater Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3BQ 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 Verulam House Nursing Home DS0000019601.V285049.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. 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!