Inspection on 23/04/07 for Whitwood Hall

This inspection was carried out on 23rd April 2007.

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

Whitwood Hall 13/05/09

Whitwood Hall 24/02/06

Whitwood Hall 22/09/05

Whitwood Hall 07/03/05

Whitwood Hall 23/06/04

Whitwood Hall 21/01/04

Similar services:

Larch Avenue

Alderson Road 12

Cranworth Close Registered Care Home

The Cornerstone

John Street Nursing Home

Pennine Camphill

Whitwood House

Muston Road (70)

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Whitwood Hall Whitwood Lane Castleford West Yorks WF10 5QD Lead Inspector Tony Brindle Unannounced Inspection 23rd April 2007 11:00 Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.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 Adults 18-65. 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. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Whitwood Hall Address Whitwood Lane Castleford West Yorks WF10 5QD 01977 667200 01977 667211 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) www.whitwoodcare.co.uk Mr Michael Wheatley Mr A Jeff R Barlow Care Home 16 Category(ies) of Learning disability (16) registration, with number of places Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Can accommodate one named service user under 18 years. Date of last inspection 24th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Whitwood Hall provides residential and personal care for 16 people who have a learning disability. The home is situated on a country road on the outskirts of Castleford between Whitwood and Altofts. Set back in its own grounds the home is split into three separate units each having its own entrance, lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathing facilities. All accommodation offered is single and the ethos and philosophy of the home is based on ordinary living principles. The people are encouraged and assisted to do as much for them selves as possible. There is also an expectation that people take full advantage of local ordinary community based leisure and healthcare services. Whitwood Hall offers care and support to those who may have behaviours, which may challenge ordinary residential provision and the staffing ratios provided reflect this. The home is on a main bus route and very close to the M62 and M1/A1 link roads. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection of the care home. The inspector spoke with people living at the home, the registered manager and staff members. While at the home the inspector had a look around the home, looked at some of the paper records. Before a visit to the home took place, surveys were sent out to people living at the home, their relatives and health and social care professionals who have dealings with Whitwood Hall. Many of the surveys were returned before the visit took place, and the feedback that people gave was positive. Some of things people said included: • “I like living at Whitwood Hall”. – Person living at the home • “The staff are great, and I like to go out shopping and to the pub”. - Person living at the home • “My son is really happy at Whitwood Hall, it’s the best place he’s lived at and I’m really happy for him”. – Relative of a Person living at the home • “The staff are very caring, and appear to know what they are doing. They always come across as very professionals and are able to adapt and change their practice as and when required depending on the needs of people they are working with”. – Social Care Professional The inspector would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hospitality and assistance during this inspection visit. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 EASY READ SUMMARY The information people are given is very good. It is easy to read. People have very good care plans. People help to write their own care plans. Staff at the home talk to people about their care and support. People’s views about their care and support are listened to and acted upon. People like living at Whitwood Hall. People living at Whitwood Hall get to go out and take part in different activities with different people. People have their bedrooms. The bedrooms are nicely decorated. People have their own things in their own rooms. The staff respect people’s privacy. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Staff talk and listen to people living at the home. The staff respond to people living at the home properly. Whitwood Hall is well managed. People say that the staff are friendly. The staff are well trained. The staff look after people. If they are worried about someone they tell the manager. The manager makes sure that people are kept safe. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Prospective people to use a service and their representatives have the information needed to choose a home, which will meet their needs. They have their needs assessed and a contract which clearly tells them about the service the will receive. EVIDENCE: The records show that the manager and staff have an innovative approach to making admissions right for individuals, and are clear when they feel the home might not be able to meet the needs of a person. The manager explained that decisions are based upon a wide range of evidence and the records show that person and their relatives are kept informed and involved in the decision making process as much as possible. One person living at the home spoke about how they had been very involved in deciding to move into the home. This person had had the chance to visit the home, talk to the staff, have a look at the building, talk and spend time with people already living in the home. A staff member spoke about how the assessment process focuses on achieving positive outcomes for people and this includes ensuring that the facilities, staffing and specialist services provided by the home meet the person’s needs. One person living in the home spoke about being given the opportunity to spend time in the home before moving in. The manager said that this length of Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 time is flexible and always led by the person using the service rather than being dictated by the service. One person living in the home spoke about said they were given a keyworker who gave them information about the home and helped them to feel comfortable in their surroundings. The manager confirmed that the keyworker system continues once a person moves into the home. The manager confirmed that all the people living in the home receive a contract. The records show that the person living in the home or their family member has agreed this contract. The records show that information is given to people in a meaningful way, and the manager said that information could be out into appropriate languages and formats, such as large print, Braille or easy read. One person living in the home spoke about how information is explained to them so that they can fully understand it. One staff member spoke about how use of advocates to support people is actively promoted, and one person living in the home spoke about how they know about advocacy services. The records show that people living in the home do access advocates. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Individuals are involved in decisions about their lives, and play an active role in planning the care and support they receive. EVIDENCE: One person living at the home spoke about they regularly get involved in the planning and their care and support. This person said that they speak to the manager and staff about how they want to be spoken to, how they want to be supported when dressing, bathing and shopping. The manager explained that the care plans are developed with the people living in the home. The manager sees the care plans as belonging to the people living in the home. The records show that the plans are based on a full and up to date assessment, and the plans are written in a person centred way and focus on people’s strengths and personal preferences. One staff member spoke about how that plans set out in detail how a person is to receive positive individualised support. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 From discussions with one person in the home it was clear that they understand the information in the care plan. The manager said that care plans can include photos, pictures and are written in plain language. The records confirmed this, and it was clear from looking at the details within the plans that they are an up to date and working tool. The way that the plans are set out would help someone not familiar with the person to deliver a personalised service when necessary. The records show that the care plans includes a comprehensive risk assessment, which is regularly reviewed. One staff member who was spoken with talked about the service having a ‘can do’ attitude and he added that risks are managed positively to help people using the service to lead the life they want. The records show that any limitations on freedom, choice or facilities are always in the person’s best interests. One person living at the home spoke about how they understand any limitations that are placed them, and said that if limitations are to be placed on them for any reason, then the staff or manager would speak with them about the issues, the reasons why, and also the best way the person could be supported. The records show that people are consulted on how the service is run and are able to influence key decisions in the home. People who live in the home said that they are involved in decisions about the areas such as staff selection and the day-to-day life of the home. The manager explained that the home’s policies and procedures are developed with the people who use the service. People spoken with confirmed this and the records show that policies and procedures are accessible. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who use the service are able to make choices about their life style, and supported to develop their life skills. Social, educational, cultural and recreational activities meet people’s expectations. EVIDENCE: Feedback from people living at the home indicated that they are given the opportunity to develop and maintain important personal and family relationships, and are able to access information and specialist guidance about issues such as intimate relationships. Discussion with the manager showed that individual rights and choices are promoted, and the records confirmed that people are supported to make informed choices about things such as lifestyle choices, relationships, activities and holidays. The manager explained that the service has a strong commitment to enabling people who use live at Whitwood Hall to develop their skills, including social, emotional, communication, and independent living skills. The records show Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 that individuals are supported to identify their goals, and work to achieve them. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The health and personal care that people receive is based on their individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose sets out the competencies and specialisms the home offers and feedback from people who use the service and from people’s relatives shows that the staff deliver care and support in a person centered way. Observations of the day showed that the care is person led. Staff were seen to respect people preferences. The rota shows that the staff group is balanced to reflect the diverse needs of the people living in the home. The records show that the manager and staff ensure that people receive effective and individualised personal and healthcare support using a person centred approach. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who use the service are able to express their concerns, and have access to a robust, effective complaints procedure, and are protected from abuse, and have their rights protected. EVIDENCE: The manager explained that he is exploring the possibilities of making the procedure available in a variety of formats (including variety of languages, tape, Braille, symbol, large print). Following discussions with people living at the home it was clear that people understand how to make complaints. The records show that quality monitoring systems are in place to inform future practice and the staffs’ personal development. The records show that regular training and supervision takes place to make sure staff are fully aware of the policies and procedures provided in relation to protecting and safeguarding the rights of people living at the home. The records show that the service’s Safeguarding Adults procedures were followed appropriately recently following the concerns of a staff members over the care and support of a service user. The manager was able to explain the circumstances surrounding this, and at the time of the inspection, the manager was awaiting the outcome of a Strategy Meeting convened by Wakefield Social Services Department. Observations made on the day indicated that the views and experiences of people living at the home are valued. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The physical design and layout of the home enables people to live in a safe, well-maintained and comfortable environment, which encourages independence. EVIDENCE: Discussions with the people living at the home showed that they are happy with their house and that the living environment is appropriate for their particular lifestyle and needs. Discussions with people indicated that they are encouraged to see the home as their own. It is a very well maintained, attractive property and one person living at the home said that because of the home’s location, they have “very good access to community facilities and services”. The manager and staff ensure that the physical environment of the home provides for the individual requirements of the people who use the service. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 and 35 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Staff in the home are trained, skilled and are provided in sufficient numbers to support the people who use the service. EVIDENCE: The rotas show that the service has enough staff available at all times to support the needs, activities and aspirations of the people using the service in an individualised and person centred way. The records show that the service is proactive rather than reactive in its staffing, recruitment and training, with planning for the needs of people taking place on a day to day basis. Observations indicate that there is a diverse staff team that has a balance of skills, knowledge and experience to meet the needs of people who use services. The records show that the service has a highly developed recruitment procedure that has the needs of people who use the service at its core. The manager explained that the recruitment of good quality carers is seen as integral to the delivery of an excellent service, and continued to say that the recruitment of the right person for the job is always seen as more important Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 than the filling of a vacancy. People living at the home confirmed that they are involved in the recruitment and selection of staff. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The management and administration of the home is based upon openness and respect. The manager operates effective quality assurance system EVIDENCE: The records show that spot checks and quality monitoring systems are in place which provide the management with evidence that systems are working and that the health and safety of people are promoted. Discussions with people living at the home indicated that the management systems are open and transparent. The views of both residents and staff are listened to, and valued. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The registered manager has the required qualification and experience, is highly competent to run the home. Discussions with him shows that he has sound knowledge of both strategic and financial planning. Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.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 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 Standard No Score 1 X 2 4 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 4 23 4 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 X 34 4 35 4 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 4 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 4 X 4 X 4 X X 4 X Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.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. Standard Regulation Requirement 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Whitwood Hall DS0000006213.V338077.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Brighouse Area Team First Floor St Pauls House 23 Park Square Leeds LS1 2ND 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. 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