Latest Inspection
This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 28th April 2010. CQC found this care home to be providing an Excellent service.
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.
For extracts, read the latest CQC inspection for Blenheim House.
What the care home does well Blenheim House is and extremely well run, well managed and organised home. It is clear from observations during the inspection, discussion with people using the service, relatives, the manager and staff and the comments within completed surveys that people who live at Blenheim House are centre to everything and the service is run to ensure their best interests. People are well cared by a well trained staff team. Staff are very positive about their roles within the service and clearly enjoy working at Blenheim House, supporting and caring for the people who live there. They are well trained, there is regular ongoing training and support for staff through supervisions. People are clearly seen as individuals and care is planned around their individual needs and lifestyle preferences. The environment is clean, spacious, homely and extremely pleasantly decorated. There is much evidence of personalisation within people`s own bedrooms, which have been decorated to their individual tastes and personalities. There is a range of individualisespecialist equipment in place for people. The garden also provides a peaceful environment for people. There is a good amount of both personal and communal space for people. One of the strengths seen at Blenheim House is the promotion of independance and the empowerment of people who use the service. This random inspection has shown that Blenheim House continues to provide a very good service for people who live there. What the care home could do better: Of the standard looked at during this random inspection, very little was identified as in need of improvement. In looking at the AQAA and comments in staff surveys it is clear that the service is always looking to continuously develop for the benefit of the people living there. The way in which the medication is ordered needs to be reviewed and the system amended. Handwritten entries on the Medication Administration Records should be double signed. Further advise is needed in regard to fire training and the frequency of this training within the service to ensure that appropriate training is in place and conducted at the frequency needed. Random inspection report
Care homes for adults (18-65 years)
Name: Address: Blenheim House Trenchard Avenue Thornaby Stockton-on-Tees TS17 8HJ three star excellent service The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this review a ‘key’ inspection. This is a report of a random inspection of this care home. A random inspection is a short, focussed review of the service. Details of how to get other inspection reports for this care home, including the last key inspection report, can be found on the last page of this report. Lead inspector: Jacqueline Herring Date: 2 8 0 4 2 0 1 0 Information about the care home
Name of care home: Address: Blenheim House Trenchard Avenue Thornaby Stockton-on-Tees TS17 8HJ 01642527923 01642528481 Angela.Rutland@stockton.gov.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mrs Angela Mary Rutland Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council care home 29 Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 0 physical disability Conditions of registration: 29 The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 29 The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care home only - Code PC To service users of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following category: Physical disability Code PD, maximum number of places: 29 Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Blenheim is a purpose built home providing care for 29 younger adults with a physical disability. The home is managed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Blenheim House offers accommodation and personal care for long stay residents and those people requiring respite care. The home is on ground level but there are also two first
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 11 Brief description of the care home floor flats, one of which has been converted for use by up to three residents. Each bedroom is for single occupancy and they are a minimum of 10 sq. m. the first floor flat can be used by those wishing to share a bedroom. The home has three communal lounges and bedroom areas are divided into three units, with each unit having a kitchendining room. The large room that is used for activities is called a multi-function room as it as also used for Social Evenings. It has a relaxation area with a water-bed, coloured lights and music is available. The multi-function room also has a pool table, computer, music system, TV and a piano that are for residents use. There is a well kept quadrangle garden area, with seating, for residents to sit outside in warmer weather. The home is close to local shops and amenities. There is a car park at the front of the home. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 11 What we found:
This inspection was an unannounced random inspection. It was carried out to ensure that the service is still providing a good service to people who use it. The previous Key Inspection took place on 29 May 2007. Two annual service review have taken place since that Key Inspection. Time was spent looking around the home, discussion took place with one member of staff as well as the manager. We spent some time observing interactions between staff and people who live at the service. A sample of health and safety records were looked at. Surveys were also completed and returned, nine from people who use the service, ten from staff members, five from relatives and three from visiting professionals An Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA), the services self-assessment of how well they think they are meeting standards had also been well completed and received prior to this random inspection. Information from the AQAA was used to determine the outcome of this inspection. Outcome Group One - Choice of Home This outcome group was not looked at during this inspection. Outcome Group Two - Individual Needs and Choices Care records were not looked at during this inspection but people using the service, relatives and staff were spoken to about the care provided at Blenheim House. We also received a number of surveys which also contained valuable information about the care provided. One survey completed by a person using the service, Very happy living in the home. Personal care given to a high standard. Of what the service does well, one person said, Promote independance, feel safe and secure, plenty of social activities, friendly staff and managers, excellent meals. A number of staff surveys were received. They contained the following comments, The home if of a very high standard and the residents needs are met to suit them as individuals. The home operates a keyworker system which enables clients to build up a relationship and go on outings and holidays. The clients are happy, safe and well cared for. Provide a safe, welcoming and warm environment. Provide excellent standards of care developed and implemented to the needs of the individual client. Outcome Group Three - Lifestyle This area was not looked at in detail during this random inspection but people were involved in discussions about their life within Blenheim. The AQAA also contained a good amount of information about activities. It was stated, We provide an extensive selection of activities five days per week with a member of staff who is responsible for providing various activities. Activities are planned around different times of the day to accommodate the resident/clients who attend day care so they can also be involved. It
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 11 was also stated that, Residents are supported to have an independent lifestyle and they are provided with opportunities for personal development. One person who has lived at Blenheim House for some time said, I like the activities, they take place in the activities room and I like the arts and crafts and colouring, something is arranged everyday. People spoken to said they enjoyed the meals at Blenheim House. They said, Meals are nice, you have a choice. The food is ok, they try a lot to cater for you, if you dont like what the choices are on the menu they will provide something else. Meals are very nice, more than adequate portions, too much at times. Outcome Group Four - Personal and Healthcare Support At previous inspection no concerns were identified in regard to medication management. During this inspection, the systems were not audited, however there was discussion with the manager about the systems in place. It was confirmed that only staff of a senior level who had undertaken the required safe handling of medicine training were involved in the administration of medication. Staff were also updating this training, with the manager having completed NVQ Level 4 in medicine management. A sample of Medication Administration Records (MAR) were looked at. There were no gaps in recording and in the main they were well written. Some handwritten entries on MARs were not signed and dated by the person making the entry and medication entries had sometimes not been signed by a second person to confirm accuracy. Discussion took place with regard to the actual ordering of medication, which currently is primarily completed by the supplying pharmacist. This needs to be reviewed as it is the responsibility of the service to ensure effective ordering is in place and they should also have sight of the prescription from the GP prior to it going to the pharmacist. There should be a system in place to detail all medication ordered, against what is prescribed and then what it supplied. The manager agreed to talk to their supplying pharmacist about the current systems and also to take advise from the local Primary Care Trust, pharmacy advisors. Outcome Group Five - Concerns, Complaints and Protection The AQQA detailed that there had been no complaints in the last twelve months. People spoken to confirmed they knew what to do in the event they had concerns or were unhappy. One person said, I have no concerns, not unhappy with anything, would have no problems in raising concerns with Angela, the manager. Another person said, I would speak to staff on shift and would take it further until such time as it has been resolved. A member of staff spoken to confirmed they were aware of the complaints procedure and that they had received Protection of Vulnerable Adults training. The AQAA detailed, Staff are aware of the safeguarding procedures and the whistle blowing policy and the action they would take if there were an allegation of abuse, staff files confirm that staff have attended the appropriate training for the protection of vulnerable adults. Outcome Group Six - Environment We had a look around the communal areas of the home and also a number of bathrooms,
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 11 shower rooms and individual bedrooms. The home is fresh, bright and clean, with no malodours evident anywhere, it is well decorated, well maintained and extremely homely. The people who live at Blenheim House on a permanent basis have been involved in choosing the decor and soft furnishings of their individual bedrooms, they are clearly very personalised with peoples individual preferences and personalities evident. People who stay at Blenheim House for regular periods of respite care are able to where possible choose the room they want to stay in. There is a range of individual specialist equipment available, such as individual electric wheelchairs, ceiling hoist in bedrooms and bathrooms and other moving and handling equipment. A member of staff said, If someone has new equipment, the OT or physiotherapist will come out and show us how to use it. Outcome Group Seven - Staffing The manager confirmed that there was always three staff on duty during the day and a unit manager. There is always a unit manager on duty and this person also does a sleep over. Two care assistants are available on waking nights. The manager said that the majority of staff have worked at the service for a long time and there was little staff turnover. A person who is using the service for a period of respite care said, The staff are very caring, go out of their way to help, staff are very, very good. Other people spoken to also passed positive comments about the staff, one person said, Staff are lovely, there is enough staff around, never have to wait. My keyworker takes me out. Another person said, Staff are able to care and support me in the way I want, there is always enough staff. A member of staff spoken to confirmed that they completed a range of mandatory training such as moving and handling and infection control on a regular basis. One member of staff said in their survey, The management and staff work in a professional manner, communication between management and staff is a two way process. Outcome Group Eight - Conduct and Management of the Home Blenheim House is managed by a very experienced person, who is registered with CQC and has managed the service for a significant number of years. People using the service, relative and staff were very positive about the service and care provided at Blenheim House. One relative said, It is run with absolute care and kindness, they have received wonderful care and had a wonderful time. A person who is currently receiving respite care and their relative were spoken to. They said, It is terrific here, it is like a 5 star hotel, it is everything, the ambiance, it is clean, tidy, fresh, the staff are 100 . I am much happier here and have really come on since being here. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 11 A member of staff said, It is a very nice home, it is just like a family unit, everyone mixes with each other, people are so at home, so content. A member of staff was spoken to about what they considered Blenheim House did well, they said, One of the strengths in the promotion of independance, choice and decision making, there are no restrictions, it is not an institution. They also said,It is the commitment from the staff, it is a very encouraging staff tea, and management always trying to ensure that it is the service the residents want. A number of surveys were received from staff who work at Blenheim House. They contained the following comments, I have been happy to work here and am amazed at the level of care people get. The atmosphere is very homely and the residents want for nothing. Empowering residents to make decisions on all aspects of their care and daily lives. Blenheim House is a well run happy resident home. Very clean and excellently decorated to the highest standard. A number of surveys had been completed by relatives. They contained the following comments about what the service does well, Provides a happy background that reflects in the residents attitude. I am always greeted with a smile and courteous word, and the whole atmosphere of the home is one of content. He/her is well cared for and happy and well loved. All his/her needs are met and I have no concerns. Mrs Rutland (manager) is wonderful and helpful and all are happy. A sample of health and safety records were looked at. Water temperatures are being tested and recorded weekly as is the fire alarm system. It was recommended that the actual call point used in the test is also recorded, so that the same one wasnt being used every week. There was evidence of fire drills taking place and full evacuations were also detailed. Discussion took place regarding fire training. The manager said that they had requested this training and was waiting to hear from the training department. It was advised that they should contact the local fire service to ascertain type and frequency of fire training for staff. What the care home does well:
Blenheim House is and extremely well run, well managed and organised home. It is clear from observations during the inspection, discussion with people using the service, relatives, the manager and staff and the comments within completed surveys that people who live at Blenheim House are centre to everything and the service is run to ensure their best interests. People are well cared by a well trained staff team. Staff are very positive about their roles within the service and clearly enjoy working at Blenheim House, supporting and caring for the people who live there. They are well trained, there is regular ongoing training and support for staff through supervisions. People are clearly seen as individuals and care is planned around their individual needs and lifestyle preferences. The environment is clean, spacious, homely and extremely pleasantly decorated. There is much evidence of personalisation within peoples own bedrooms, which have been decorated to their individual tastes and personalities. There is a range of individualise
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 11 specialist equipment in place for people. The garden also provides a peaceful environment for people. There is a good amount of both personal and communal space for people. One of the strengths seen at Blenheim House is the promotion of independance and the empowerment of people who use the service. This random inspection has shown that Blenheim House continues to provide a very good service for people who live there. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 2. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 11 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements
These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 11 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection:
Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service.
No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 20 Handwritten entries on MARs should be signed and dated by the person making the entry and checked and signed by a second person to confirm accuracy. The way in which medication is ordered should be reviewed. Prescriptions should come to the home first for checking prior to being dispensed and full records maintained for each stage of the ordering process, including keeping a photocopy of each persons prescriptions in the home. Further advise should be obtained from the fire service to ensure that appropriate fire training is taking place at the frequency needed. 2 20 3 42 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 11 Reader Information
Document Purpose: Author: Audience: Further copies from: Inspection Report Care Quality Commission General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Copies of the National Minimum Standards –Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or got from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. © Care Quality Commission 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for noncommercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 11 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!
