Inspection on 05/09/07 for Woodlands Cottage

This inspection was carried out on 5th September 2007.

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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Woodlands Cottage 19/09/06

Woodlands Cottage 05/12/05

Woodlands Cottage 20/07/05

Woodlands Cottage 03/02/05

Woodlands Cottage 23/09/04

Woodlands Cottage 11/03/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Woodlands Cottage Fernlea Drive Choppington Northumberland NE62 5SR Lead Inspector Anne Brown Key Unannounced Inspection 5 and 10 September 2007 10:00 th th Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.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 Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.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. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Woodlands Cottage Address Fernlea Drive Choppington Northumberland NE62 5SR 01670 828487 01670 827525 NTAWNT.Woodlands@nhs.net 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) Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust Vacant Care Home 4 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4) registration, with number of places Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 19th September 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Woodlands Cottage is a purpose built bungalow for four people who have learning and physical disabilities. The home is situated in the community of Choppington and is close to local amenities. The people who live in the home are provided with single room accommodation and access to a range of aids and adaptations in line with their personal needs. There is a separate dining room, lounge and kitchen. Specialist bathrooms and toilets are provided. The homes furnishings and fittings are of a high standard and the building is well maintained. Attractive garden areas are available. A small car park is provided to the front of the building. The home is not registered to provide nursing care. The fees range from £981.25p to £1001.53p per week. Inspection reports and information about the home are readily available. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • • • • • Information we have received since the last inspection on 19th September 2006. How the service dealt with any complaints and concerns since the last visit. Any changes to how the home is run. The provider’s view of how well they care for people. The views of people who use the service and their relatives. The visit • • An unannounced visit was made on 5th September 2007. A further visit was made on 10th September 2007 to speak to the manager. During the visit we: • • • • • • • Talked with staff and the manager. Observed the interaction between the staff and the residents. Looked at information about the people who use the service and how well their needs are met. Looked at other records that must be kept. Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills and training to meet the needs of the people they care for. Looked around the building to make sure it was clean, safe and comfortable. Checked what improvements had been made since the last inspection. We told the manager what we found. What the service does well: The home is well maintained, safe and comfortable providing the residents with a pleasant place to live. There are appropriate aids and adaptations provided throughout the home to help maintain independence. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Opportunities for training are good which enables staff to learn new skills to support the residents in all aspects of their lives. Training in adult protection has been provided for the staff, which helps to protect the residents from abuse. The home provides a good standard of care to the people using the service. The staff team enjoy their work and make every effort to ensure the home is pleasant and comfortable. The relationships between staff and the people who live in the home were good and personal support was provided in a way that promotes their privacy and dignity. The staff team at the home value the differing needs of the people who live there and make sure that they are aware of each person’s preferences. They treat the people as individuals and support them to live the life they choose as much as possible. The people living in the home are able to enjoy holidays with staff support. At the time of the visit two people were on holiday in Majorca with three members of staff. The home has procedures for staff when they administer medication. This makes sure the people who live at the home receive their medication when they need it and at the correct times. Questionnaires were given to the people who live in the home to ask their opinion on the service they receive. The staff had assisted them to complete these due to communication difficulties. All comments were positive. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Care plans should be evaluated on a monthly basis to ensure the needs of the people living the home are fully met. Copies of the monthly monitoring visits made by senior management should be available in the home so the manager can address any issues that are identified. The dining room area should be redecorated as the wallpaper is showing signs of wear and tear. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Comprehensive assessments are carried out before and after admission to ensure that people’s needs can be planned and properly met. EVIDENCE: Assessments are carried out prior to people moving into the home. These are completed by care managers in the Local Authority and senior staff in the home. Prospective residents are visited in their own home or hospital in order to help ensure their needs can be met. These are also discussed when the resident visits the home on a trial basis. No new admissions have taken place since December 2002. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The care plans give a good level of information to staff to help ensure that individual needs are met. The people who live at the home get personal support and at the same time staff make sure that their privacy, dignity and independence are respected. EVIDENCE: The care plans contain detailed information to help ensure needs are met and look at all areas of the person’s life. Comprehensive guidelines, completed by relevant professionals, are in place to deal with the individual needs of the people who live in the home. Some evaluations were out of date but the manager is currently in the process of updating these. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The staff understand the importance of residents making decisions in their lives and encourage them to make personal choices. Risk assessments are in place to address safety issues but also enabling the residents to have a better quality of life. Where limitations are in place, the decision has been discussed and is recorded. The staff have knowledge of equality and diversity issues and these are carefully considered when writing the care plans. The manager confirmed that staff are booked to attend a training course on person centred planning. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents have good opportunities to take part in a variety of leisure pursuits and interests, which helps them to maintain links with the local community. Mealtimes are flexible to suit individual preferences and lifestyles. EVIDENCE: The people living in the home enjoy a variety of activities which include swimming, walking, visiting shopping centres, cinema, concerts, beauty sessions, music sessions and aromatherapy. The residents are involved in meaningful activities of their own choice and according to their capabilities. Two residents attend a local day centre two days a week. One resident has been provided with an enabling service to escort them to venues of their choice. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 One person had recently enjoyed a holiday in Scotland and two others were on holiday in Majorca during the first visit to the home. Plans are being made to book a holiday for the other resident later this year. The residents have recently enjoyed trips to Alnwick, Holy Island and other places of interest. The staff assist the residents to keep in touch with their friends and families. Visitors are welcome in the home at any time and are encouraged to take part in any events that are taking place. No visitors were present at the time of inspection. The staff confirmed that although the residents have limited communication, they are all able to let the staff know if they do not wish to participate in a particular activity. The staff team know the residents well and are able to assess when they are not happy. Menus are varied and alternatives are always available. The home’s menus are based on the known likes and dislikes of the people who live at the home. Staff said that they are always trying to find new menus and to provide interesting things for the people to try. The staff were fully aware of the dietary needs of the residents and the assistance they required at mealtimes. The manager confirmed that a member of staff has been given the task of updating the pictorial menu book to assist residents in their choices. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents have personal support when they need it so they can be as independent as possible. The staff monitor and promote the health of the people who live in the home to maintain their well-being. EVIDENCE: Staff on duty were aware of the health needs of the people who live at the home and this is constantly being monitored. Records showed that their health and well-being is discussed. If there are concerns about a person’s health, appropriate action is taken. Details of health checks, visits to their GP and hospital appointments are recorded in each individuals file. The staff and manager were able to describe how people are provided with personal support when they need it. This is fully recorded and the records showed that staff have had training in how to care for people with specific needs. A random sample of medication records and the system for storage and handling medications were looked at and found to be appropriate. The Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 manager and staff on duty confirmed that all staff who handle medications have received adequate training. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A satisfactory complaints procedure is in place to ensure complaints are dealt with effectively. Clear protection procedures are in place to help protect the people living in the home from the risk of harm. EVIDENCE: A satisfactory complaints procedure is in place and is clearly displayed. All residents have a copy of the procedure. Complaints are recorded along with the outcome of the investigation. This ensures complaints are dealt with effectively and to the satisfaction of the person making the complaint. No complaints have been received since the last inspection. The complaints procedure in available in a CD format which helps meet the needs of some residents. The staff on duty stated that although the residents have limited communication they can make their wishes known and staff have developed ways of understanding them. The manager stated that the staff had undergone training on the protection of vulnerable adults and were soon to be attending a refresher course. The staff Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 on duty confirmed the training they had received and were well aware of the procedure to follow if they suspected abuse. They were also aware of the whistle blowing policy and how to report any concerns about poor practice in the home. A sample of records were examined for money kept on behalf of the residents. Appropriate records, receipts and signatures are retained. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is safe, comfortable and a pleasant place to live. It has all the necessary aids and adaptations to support residents’ independence. EVIDENCE: A tour of the premises was carried out. All areas of the home were homely, comfortable and well furnished. However the dining room wallpaper was showing signs of wear and tear. The people who live in the home have their own bedrooms that are decorated and personalised according to their wishes and tastes. Bedrooms are equipped to ensure the comfort and safety of the individuals and specialist equipment is provided to promote independence. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 There is sufficient space for the people living in the home to enjoy internally and externally. Gardens are well maintained and provided with garden furniture. All areas of the home were clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours. Protective clothing is provided for the staff. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are enough staff, who have been properly recruited, trained and supported, to meet the needs of the people living in the home. EVIDENCE: Eleven care staff are employed in the home, eight of which have achieved National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), Level 2. Three members of staff are currently undergoing training to gain this qualification. Specialist training courses have been booked which include nutrition, person centred planning, Mental Capacity Act and mental health. The manager said that appropriate checks are carried out before people are employed in the home. Staff files are held at the Trust’s headquarters. Sufficient staff were on duty at the time of the visit. Records showed that enough staff had been on duty at the home during the previous few days. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Formal supervision sessions are carried out and each staff member has a file containing the written notes. The staff confirmed that training needs are discussed on a regular basis. On the day of the inspection the staff were supporting the residents in a caring and sensitive way and good relationships were evident. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The culture and systems in the home help to ensure that the service is led by the needs and wishes of the residents, and protects them from harm. EVIDENCE: A new manager has recently been appointed and has experience in working with adults with learning disabilities and holds appropriate qualifications. She is currently in the process of applying to become registered with the Commission. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 The staff members who were spoken to said the manager was approachable and supportive. One member of staff said, “she is always willing to listen and solve any problems”. The staff on duty confirmed that regular meetings are held to discuss any issues that arise and to ensure the home is run in the best interests of the residents. Minutes of the meetings were available for inspection. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place to safeguard the rights and best interests of the service users. The manager stated that monitoring visits are made by a senior manager on a monthly basis. This is to check that the people who live there get the care they need and their health, safety and welfare is promoted. However the last report available in the home was dated April 2007. The fire logbook indicated that tests are carried out at the correct intervals. Charts are maintained to record water and fridge/freezer temperatures. The staff on duty confirmed that they receive up to date health and safety training to help protect the safety of themselves and the residents. No unsafe practices were noted during the inspection. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 3 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 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 2 X 3 X X 3 X Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 YA6 Regulation 15 Requirement The care plans must be evaluated to ensure staff have up to date information about the needs of the residents, and how to meet them. The registered person must make sure that all copies of the reports from the monitoring visits are held at the home so any issues can be addressed. Timescale for action 30/11/07 2. YA39 26 30/11/07 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 YA24 Good Practice Recommendations The wallpaper in the dining room should be renewed as it was showing signs of wear and tear. Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Woodlands Cottage DS0000035040.V346303.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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