Inspection on 04/04/07 for Woodpecker Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 4th 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

Woodpecker Lodge 18/01/06

Woodpecker Lodge 21/07/05

Woodpecker Lodge 11/10/04

Similar services:

Polesworth Group Friary Road

Polesworth Group Pooley Heights

Polesworth Group 32 Station Road

Polesworth Group 70 Long Street

Breme

Polesworth Group 64 Long Street

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street

10 Whitfield Avenue

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Woodpecker Lodge Weir End House Glewstone Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 6AL Lead Inspector Christina Lavelle Unannounced Inspection 4th April 2007 2.30– Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.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 Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.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. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Woodpecker Lodge Address Weir End House Glewstone Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 6AL 01989 567711 Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) info@craegmoor.co.uk Parkcare Homes Limited Mrs Ann Fletcher Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: N/A Date of last inspection 18th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The registered provider of Woodpecker Lodge is Parkcare Homes Limited, which is a subsidiary of a much larger company, Craegmoor Healthcare. This home was registered in April 2004 and is situated within the grounds of another care home (Weir End House), which is run by the same provider and manager (Ann Fletcher). Mrs Fletcher divides her time between the two homes and the deputy manager is its unit manager and oversees the service on a day-to-day basis. The home provides accommodation and personal care for up to six adults (men or women) who must be aged less than sixty-five. Service users must require care due to learning disabilities and the service’s main stated aim is to help service users to develop their independence and life skills. Woodpecker Lodge is about two miles from the centre of the market town of Ross-on-Wye. Whilst the home is located just off a very busy dual carriage way (the A40) it also has a nice countryside setting. There are three vehicles for the two homes, which provide transport into town and further afield. Both homes are situated in very well kept and extensive grounds, which include a wooded area, a walled vegetable garden and a paddock housing a donkey. The home is a bungalow that was purpose built and has its own garden, patio and parking areas. Service users have single bedrooms with en-suite toilet and shower facilities. There is a sitting room, kitchen/dining room, bathroom, toilet and utility room for everyone to use. A conservatory is currently being built. Information about the home is provided in a statement of purpose and service users’ guide. The guide is available in a suitable format so that people with learning disabilities are more likely to understand it and can be obtained from the home or Craegmoor Health Care’s regional office and website. The current fee for the service is £948.00 per week and additional costs to service users include such as hairdressing & beautician, toiletries, magazines, swimming and going to a gym. Each service user also has an allowance of £200 towards an annual holiday and is expected to pay any amount over this themselves. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This is a key inspection of Woodpecker Lodge. This means all the Standards that can be most important for adults who live in care homes were checked. This visit was made without telling staff and service users beforehand. Time was spent with service users and two were spoken with in private about what they think of living at the home. They had all also completed a survey form before this visit with their views of the home. The manager, deputy and another care worker discussed how the home is run, staffing, the service users and changes made since the last inspection. One new support worker was asked individually about how he got the job, his experience, training and support he receives, as well as service users’ care and lifestyles. Four of the service users’ relatives, and four health or social care professionals who are involved with the home, had sent in comment cards showing their views of the home and making comments. All their feedback is mentioned in this report. Various records kept by the home and the bungalow were looked at. There was useful information in a questionnaire the manager had completed before the visit. All information received by the Commission about the home is also considered. This includes reports made by the provider following their monthly visits to check the home is being run well. There had not been any complaints made about the home or concerns raised in respect of vulnerable adults. What the service does well: The home only offers a place to someone if it could all their needs and goals. Possible new service users would visit and try out the home before moving in. Service users say they are happy living at Woodpecker Lodge. The home feels relaxed and friendly and service users get on well with the manager and staff. Each service user has a care plan they are involved in making. Plans ensure staff know all their needs and goals and how to offer support to meet them. Service users are encouraged to develop their life and social skills and to be as independent as they can. They make their own choices and decisions whenever possible. One relative says“ My daughter is very happy at Woodpecker Lodge. She is making progress in many areas and achieving and attempting things we never thought she would be able to do. She also enjoys a good social life”. Service users all have busy lives and go out a lot. They take part in activities they choose and enjoy and also go to work and college. One care professional says “The home is keen to promote independence and community presence. They often seek advice and training that is offered by the community team”. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Service users’ families and friends are made welcome in the home and are kept involved in their care. Relatives say the care at the home is very good. Service users are supported with their personal and health care. They are also involved in all jobs around the house and cook healthy meals they choose. Woodpecker Lodge has given service users the opportunity to live in an ordinary home and to become part of the community. The bungalow is very homely, comfortable and well kept. It is kept clean, tidy and safe. There is a stable staff team and service users and staff know each other well. There is enough staff and they have lots of training to help them understand service users’ needs and how to support them properly and keep them safe. The manager has the right skills and experience and the home is very well run. Staff have good support from management and the team work well together and are committed to making sure service users have a good home and care. 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. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1&2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Suitable information is available to help prospective service users decide if they may like to live at Woodpecker Lodge and if the home could meet their needs. Thorough assessment and admission procedures are in place to make sure the home would meet the needs, wishes and goals of prospective service users. EVIDENCE: Appropriate information documents are provided for the home, which include a statement of purpose, service users’ guide and terms & conditions of residence (contract). The relevant documents are also available in a format that is more likely to be easier for people with learning disabilities to understand. Each service user has their own copy of the service users’ guide. Although there has not been any new service users since the last inspection it was reaffirmed with the manager that the assessment and admission process for prospective service users would be very carefully managed. The manager would always meet them to fully assess their needs, having received a copy of a community care assessment made by their funding authority. Visits to the home, overnight stays and a three-month trial would be arranged to ensure they fit in with existing service users and their needs can be met. A review meeting would be held after the trial involving the home, service user and their representatives to decide on the suitability and continuation of the placement. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Service users’ plans detail their current needs and goals so making sure that they receive the support they want and need. They are able to make choices and decisions in their lives and are also supported to take reasonable risks to promote their independence and develop skills, whilst minimising safety risks. EVIDENCE: One service user’s care records were looked at in detail and another person’s checked briefly. Each service user has a care plan that covers all their needs and is called “My essential lifestyle Plan”. Plans were appropriately drawn up with service users’ involvement and include their goals and likes & dislikes in areas such as food, drink, activities, when out in the community and daily routines. They reflect enabling service users to be more independent, develop their life skills, make choices and have more community presence. The plan format also appropriately describes aims & interventions needed to meet their needs and achieve goals and a review of progress made, with an evaluation. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Various other records are also kept by staff, such as daily reports detailing any significant events in service users’ lives; friends & families contact sheets and health care records. These show that their plans are being followed and also provide helpful information about each person’s life, welfare and progress. It is good that the home has made progress in developing a more person centred (PC) approach to care planning to ensure that service users receive any support to achieve their personal goals and are enabled to make their own decisions. Since the last inspection most staff have attended a PC planning training session taken by the local Social Services facilitator and Craegmoor now also provide training and a PC planning format. Keyworkers are allocated to certain service users from the support staff team. They spend individual time with them and have more direct input in planning and reviewing their care, looking for new opportunities etc. They now check their progress with them monthly and review/update their plans at least three monthly. Formal placement review meetings are also arranged annually when service users families, social workers and relevant other people are invited to attend. Service users confirm they are involved in their reviews and should ultimately hold their own plans and decide whom they would like to participate. Relevant risk assessments are carried out which focus appropriately on service users’ right to independence and leading a “normal” lifestyle. They include them being responsible for their own personal allowance & medicines and going out in the community swimming, to the gym and shopping without staff support. Any possible risks to their safety are taken into account with actions needed to minimise them, such as road safety and using public transport. It was observed, and staff and service users say, that they are able to make choices and decisions in their lives and daily routines. They are fully involved in household tasks, cooking and planning menus and have regular meetings to discuss the day-to-day running of the home, their future plans etc. Some of them are also members of a resident’s forum for the provider organisation. They attend two monthly meetings and are also involved in decision-making. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Service users are enabled to lead full, active and interesting lives, which helps them to develop their social and life skills, be more independent and integrate within the wider community. Their individual rights are respected and they are supported to maintain links with their families and friends. The home provides varied and wholesome meals, which service users choose and prepare. Mealtimes are very much part of the social life of the home. EVIDENCE: Service users all have a full timetable of weekly activities, including work placements, as volunteers and in a cycle repair workshop. Some people attend college skill development courses such as IT, financial management, literacy & numeracy. They all also have individual plans for developing their independent living skills e.g. spending time alone in town, going shopping and using public transport. Their weekday placements are kept under continual review and new Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 opportunities found in line with their interests and to expand their experience. Whenever possible mainstream activities and “real” jobs are sought. Service users have busy social lives, taking part in a range of leisure activities such as horse riding, swimming, gym, cinema, theatre and pub meals. It is also clear from visiting their bedrooms that they all have individual interests and hobbies, such as music, television, using a laptop etc. whilst at home. The homes’ vehicles are essential to service users’ busy schedules because of the home’s location. The need for staff support is taken fully into account in staff rotas so that service users can be taken to their weekday activities and be supported on social trips, both alone, with their keyworkers and as a group for meals out etc. Outings and holidays are also arranged, usually in small groups. Staff support service users to maintain friendships outside the home and to meet up with friends or invite them home for tea etc. Staff and service users talk about regular contact, visits to and from, and holidays with their families. Some service users have mobile telephones and can call them whenever they wish. Families confirm the home keeps them involved and informed about their relatives’ care through reviews, regular updates on their progress etc and they are invited to the home for social occasions e.g. parties and barbecues. Service users confirm they are encouraged to make individualised choices and decisions. One person says she is now more confident doing things on her own and can choose staff to support her if needed. The home’s terms & conditions of residence states (and service users accept) they must take responsibility for household tasks and self care and they are encouraged to develop these skills. They share all household tasks, clean their rooms, do their laundry and take it in turns to cook evening and weekend meals and to draw up menus. House rules include respecting privacy and it is clear that staff view and treat the bungalow as the service users’ home and consider their rights. Care issues in relation to equality & diversity were also discussed with the manager. Whilst service users are all of a similar age and ethnic background and have moderate learning difficulties, she is fully aware of possible gender & sexuality issues and has considered any action or support that could be needed. Regarding food provided by the home service users say they choose their own meals. They select a weekly menu in turn for the main daily meal by looking at recipe books and magazines, with staff help to ensure they are nutritional. Breakfast and snack lunches are flexible and chosen individually. One person say they like cooking and did a course at college. Meals are freshly prepared and menus show a wholesome variety with jacket potatoes, salads, pasta etc. Fresh fruit, vegetables and yoghurts are always available and promoted. Meals are based on a nutritional assessment of individual service users dietary needs and their plans reflect they should have a healthy diet. Mealtimes are clearly a social occasion and service users & staff prepare and then eat meals together. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 & 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Service users receive appropriate support with their personal and health care and their medicines are managed safely in the home (by them when possible). EVIDENCE: Service users are mostly self-caring, although staff (in particular keyworkers) offered them any support and guidance needed to develop their self-confidence and personal presentation. It was apparent that service users take a pride in their appearance and were all seen to be well presented and suitably clothed in accordance with their age, their activities and individual style. In view service users are young adults who are physically able staff are aware it is important to monitor and help them with issues relating to their emotional health and behaviour as well as physical health. Appropriately considering this as being essential for the development of their independence and life skills. Service users’ care records show they are supported to have regular health care checks such as well person checks with their GP, Dentist and Optician. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Those service users able to arrange and attend their own appointments out in the community, choosing a member of staff to accompany them if they wish. Records are kept of all routine and specialist care input each service user has received. The home also has good links with relevant health and social care professionals, some of whom confirm staff communicate well with them; there is always a senior to confer with; they can see service users in private and that staff understand service users’ needs. One GP practice saying they are “Very happy with the care”. The home employs a Speech Therapist to take individual sessions with some people to help them with their communication skills. Another positive development is staff had completed training on Health Actions Plans (HAPs) and intend to set them up with service users. HAPs meet with Department of Health guidance for people with learning disabilities as they help to ensure their health is monitored; problems identified and their good health is promoted. They also show that any special health care needs are recognised and understood and service users are supported to stay healthy themselves, through preventative as well as routine & specialist care input. Regarding service users’ medicines all service users have been risk assessed in respect of self-administration and their need for homely medicines. Those able to manage and administer their own medication, some with staff oversight. Each service user has a medicines profile that includes their photograph and details of their prescribed medication with any known allergies etc. Appropriate policies & procedures are in place for managing medicines safely, including for use of Controlled Drugs (CDs) and homely remedies. The storage arrangements in the home are suitably secure and kept tidy. In respect of CDs the home has the required register, which is signed by two staff and allows an audit trail. Administration records are being maintained appropriately and all staff responsible for medication have undertaken relevant training. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Service users are supported and feel able to express their views and concerns, with confidence that they will be listened to and dealt with. Robust systems are in place to manage complaints about the service and protect service users. EVIDENCE: Service users confirm they feel staff are approachable and listen to what they want and their views. It was evident they have trust in managers and staff and there was seen to be an open rapport between them reflecting they would bring concerns to their attention and be confident they would be dealt with properly. Service users, their relatives and professionals all say they are happy with the service and are positive about the support they receive. The home has a written complaints procedure that is in a suitable format and service users confirm they are aware of and have a copy. Most relatives are aware of these procedures although had never needed to make a complaint. There has also not been any complaints made to the Commission or home since the service was registered and no issues relating to vulnerable adults. There are policies & procedures for safeguarding adults, including whistle blowing and the Herefordshire multi-agency procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults (POVA). Staff receive relevant instruction, during their induction, through LDAF & NVQ as well as sessions covering such as abuse and taken by the local POVA co-ordinator. The manager and staff are clear about their responsibility for service users’ safety and protection and whilst feeling such issues wouldn’t arise in the home would be proactive if any did. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Woodpecker Lodge provides accommodation that suitably meets service users’ needs and offers them a safe, clean, very homely and comfortable home. The accommodation is decorated, furnished, equipped and kept to a high standard. EVIDENCE: Woodpecker Lodge is in a lovely rural setting within large grounds and is only a couple of miles from Ross-on-Wye town. Whilst service users are not able to walk to access local services and facilities the home provides suitable vehicles and staff are deployed flexibly so they are always available to transport and/or support service users to go into town, college, work and other outings etc. The bungalow was purpose built and is an ordinary home that is very homely and comfortable. The home was found to be warm, clean, tidy and fresh and is decorated, furnished and equipped and being maintained to a high standard. Since the last inspection service users’ bedrooms have been redecorated to their choice of colour as well as the lounge and kitchen/dining room. A maintenance person is employed for both homes and spends at least one day Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 at Woodpecker Lodge affecting minor repairs and completing fire and other health & safety checks and tests. Service users clearly view Woodpecker Lodge as their own home and they all have single bedrooms and en-suite toilet/shower facilities. Some kindly agreed to show their bedrooms, which are very well personalised, and they have their own keys and use and consider them to be their private space. There is also a bathroom, kitchen/dining area, utility room (with laundry facilities) and patio area for everyone to use. Work had just started to build an extension that will provide a bigger office and staff sleep-in facilities and a conservatory as extra sitting space, which will make the home even nicer. The sooner this work is completed the better however as staff are now having to sleep in the lounge, which is not really a suitable arrangement, and their current office is small. Attention is clearly paid to ensuring good general health & safety and food hygiene is maintained. Staff receive necessary training; policies & procedures are in place and suitable arrangements are made for disposal of soiled waste. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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, 33, 34 & 35 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Service users continue to be supported by a stable, competent and effective staff team who know them well. Staff are appropriately trained and supervised. Thorough recruitment procedures are operated, which should help to ensure that only suitable staff are working at the home for service users’ protection. EVIDENCE: Staffing levels and deployment have not changed since the last inspection and are more than just adequate to meet the individual and group needs of service users. There is a stable staff team and their obvious commitment to meeting the aims of the home for the benefit of service users is commendable. The staff team comprises the manager, deputy manager; ten support workers plus a domestic, maintenance person & admininistrator who cover both homes. Rotas show the manager divides her time between the two services, with two days allocated to Woodpecker Lodge. The deputy manager has some allocated weekday management shifts above those for direct care and sleep-ins and is the designated unit manager. There is always at least three support staff on duty throughout the working day plus an hour domestic cover on weekdays. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Various responsibilities are allocated to certain staff, as befits their experience and interests, including education/training and food safety & menu planning. Regarding recruitment the provider operates thorough procedures. The only recently appointed staff member was interviewed and said that having seen the post advertised he had been invited to visit the home informally to meet service users and staff and to look around. He was given information about the service and completed an application form. It is confirmed this included a full CV and that two written references were taken up, one from his last employer. He attended an interview and didn’t start at the home until a satisfactory CRB was received. This person’s staff records were checked and does include two written references (one from last employer) and a CRB check, also copies of required documents, such as birth certificate, driving license and photograph. There is a comprehensive induction programme produced by the provider for all recently appointed care staff, which the new support worker has completed. He also worked alongside the unit manager and maintenance officer and went through all the home’s policies & procedures, became familiar with the home and service users and was shown all health & safety procedures. A training & development file has since been set up and shows he has already undertaken training on equal opportunities, abuse, care of medicines, fire safety, COSHH, infection control and basic moving & handling skills. He was supported by the deputy manager through a three-month probationary period and now has a Personal Performance Agreement that involves regular individual supervision, work performance appraisals and planning for training & developmental needs. New staff are also expected to complete the LDAF induction programme, which is accredited especially for staff who care for people with learning disabilities. This staff member is about to start LDAF before moving onto to embark on an NVQ qualification, supported by the unit manager who is an NVQ assessor. The manager discussed, and staff training records confirm, that the whole staff team have undertaken all the mandatory health & safety training topics with refreshers arranged at appropriate intervals. Staff have also attended training sessions relevant to care and service users’ special needs e.g. record keeping, person centred planning, care plan writing skills and autism awareness. Most staff have achieved an NVQ qualification and more training is planned in core areas and in respect of independent living. Staff confirm they are well supported, receive individual supervision and team meetings are held often. Their views are listened to, actioned and management are open and supportive. Service users are able to express their views and their needs and wishes are always put first. It is clear the staff team are well motivated and there is a positive, and open rapport between managers, staff and service users. Staff feel the team work well together; communication is good and there are enough staff and training opportunities to enable them to meet service users social and other care needs well. They clearly understand and know service users and their needs and goals and focus on meeting them. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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, 38, 39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including this visit to the service. Service users benefit for a home that is being well run by an experienced and qualified manager. The management and staff team ethos and approach, and their working practices, promote service users individuality, safety and welfare. Systems are in place to monitor and review the quality of the service, resulting in a plan for its continual improvement, based on what service users want. EVIDENCE: The registered manager (Mrs Ann Fletcher) also manages Weir End House and is supported by the unit manager of Woodpecker House. Mrs Fletcher has many years experience working with people who have learning disabilities and has achieved an NVQ level 4. She continues to take appropriate training to update her knowledge and skills and is suitably qualified and experienced. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 This inspection provided evidence that the home is still very well run and it was observed that there is an open and positive management approach. Also that the leadership style is effective and there are clear lines of accountability. One social care professional commented, “I am impressed by the home itself and the level of support & commitment provided by staff”. The provider has produced a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Monitoring (QA) system, which the home has implemented. Part of this process includes regular unannounced external audits of various aspects of the service such as medicines, health and safety, care planning and the premises. Managers have received training on the QA system and are also required to complete internal audits of all the relevant aspects of the service. These audits are appropriately based on the National Minimum Standards. Service users are being sent questionnaires quarterly asking their views of the home; also their relatives, GPs etc. This is good as feedback from service users and other stakeholders must be included in the plans to continually develop and improve the service. Some service users have also been attending a Residents Forum meeting at the provider’s head office. During one recent meeting complaints procedures were reviewed following a consultation process. The monthly meetings made by a representative of the provider are another part of QA. Their reports include any actions needed with dates, to be confirmed when completed. These actions points result in an annual plan for the service’s development. Regarding health & safety staff undertake training in all mandatory topics i.e. first aid, food hygiene, infection control, fire safety and moving & handling etc. with regular refreshers. The pre-inspection information and records checked confirm that required fire safety and electrical checks are being carried out. Routine in-house and external maintenance and/or servicing of services and equipment are also arranged including the central heating system and water temperatures are checked weekly. COSHH risk assessments are in place. There were no safety hazards identified during this visit and from the evidence it was apparent that staff and service users are aware of how important it is to maintain safety in the home and that their practices seek to promote safety in the home and minimise any identified risks to safeguard service users & staff. Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 3 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 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 4 26 3 27 4 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 4 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 4 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 12 4 13 3 14 4 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 4 4 3 X X 3 X Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NA 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 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 to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Worcester Local Office Commission for Social Care Inspection The Coach House John Comyn Drive Perdiswell Park, Droitwich Road Worcester WR3 7NW 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 Woodpecker Lodge DS0000059820.V328802.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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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