Latest Inspection
This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 30th November 2009. it is an annual review prepared by CQC after examining previous reports and information from the provider. At the time of this report, CQC judged the service to be Good.
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 Heather House.
Annual service review
Name of Service: Heather House The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: two star good service 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 8 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 We do an annual service review when there has been no key inspection of the service in the last 12 months. It does not involve a visit to the service but is a summary of new information given to us, or collected by us, since the last key inspection or annual service review.
Has this annual service review changed our opinion of the service?
No You should read the last key inspection report for this service to get a full picture of how well outcomes for the people using the service are being met. The date by which we will do a key inspection: Name of inspector: Alan Baxter Date of this annual service review: 2 3 1 0 2 0 0 9 Annual Service Review Page 1 of 6 Information about the service
Address of service: Cheshire Avenue Barley Mow Birtley Tyne and Wear DH3 2BA 01914100712 01914100712 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address:
Name of registered provider(s): Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : learning disability physical disability Conditions of registration: Dolphin Property Co Ltd Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 14 1 0 0 The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is:14 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 categories: Learning Disability Code LD, Maximum number of places 14, Physical Disability, Code PD Maximum number of places 1 Have there been any changes in the ownership, management or the No service’s registration details in the last 12 months? If yes, what have they been: Date of last key inspection: Date of last annual service review (if applicable): Brief description of the service Heather House is a detached house located in the residential area of Birtley near to Gateshead and Chester le Street.Close by is access to transport,community services including healthcare centres,shops and leisure facilities. The house is a two storey building and it provides personal care for thirteen adults who have a learning disability and one person who has a physical disability.
Annual Service Review Page 2 of 6 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 8 On the ground floor there is a lounge,dining room,kitchen and laundry.A small conservatory has been added to the rear of the home. There is a small garden around the home with a patio at the rear. Most of the bedrooms are on the first floor but there are some on the ground floor of the home.Bathrooms,showers and toilets are located throughout the home. Most of the people living in the home need to be ambulant and able to manage the stairs. Annual Service Review Page 3 of 6 Service update since the last key inspection or annual service review:
What did we do for this annual service review? We looked at all the information that we have received, or asked for, since the last key inspection or annual service review. This included the annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA) that was sent to us by the service. The AQAA is a self assessment that focuses on how well outcomes are being met for people using the service. It also gave us some numerical information about the service. We also looked at the surveys we sent out to service users, staff and health and social care professionals involved in the home. We considered any information we have about how the service has managed any complaints. We considered what the service has told us about things that have happened in the service, these are called notifications and are a legal requirement. We looked at the previous key inspection and the results of any other visits that we have made to the service in the last 12 months. We also considered any relevant information from other organisations, and what other people have told us about the service. What has this told us about the service? The home sent us their annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA) when we asked for it. It was clear and gave us all the information we asked for. We looked at the information in the AQAA and our judgment is that the home is still providing a Good service and that they know what further improvements they need to make. The home continues to let us know about things that have happened since our last key inspection and they have shown that they have managed issues well. They work well with us and have shown us that their home continues to provide Good outcomes for the people who use it. We sent out 10 surveys to service users, and four were returned. The surveys told us they always make decisions about what they do each day, and can do what they want during the day, in the evenings and at weekends. They all knew who to speak to if they were unhappy, although only one knew how to make a complaint. They told us that the home is usually fresh and clean. They also told us that the care staff and the manager always listen to them and act on what they say; and that the manager and staff always treat them well. In answer to the question, What does the home do well?, comments included, Going to the pub, activities and food; Staff; Activities; and, Support to be independent. When asked what the home could do better, three said they didnt know, and one said, Buy more jigsaws. Of the 10 staff surveys sent out, five were returned. They told us that staff feel they Annual Service Review Page 4 of 6 given up to date information about the needs of the people they care for. They said they get good training that helps them understand and meet the needs of the residents; that they get good support from their manager; and that they know what to do if someone has concerns about the home. They said they always have enough support, experience and knowledge to meet the different needs of the people who live in the home. They said there is usually enough staff to meet the individual needs of the residents. In reply to the question, what does the home do well?, comments included, Heather House does well in supporting service users both in the home and on holidays and outings. For a small home, it does really well; We provide a safe and happy environment and promotes choices and diversity: We at Heather House always promote personal choice and with this provide support for whatever is necessary. I feel this is an area we specialize in; and, Promotes individuality and diversity. Meets individual needs. Ensures care plans are up to date and relevant. Ensures health and safety is maintained. Provides staff training and regular staff meetings. When asked what the home could do better, staff comments included, Have its own mini bus to support individuals on a daily basis; Having a staff room instead of using a kitchen; and, Although meals are good, I feel some service users would appreciate larger portions, especially at supper time. Other staff comments included, I find Heather House a happy and friendly place to work, in which every member of staff provides the best possible care; and, I feel that all service users in our care are very happy as they have more choices and support and know they can voice what they want and their needs will be met to the best of our ability. No surveys were received from health and social care professionals who have contact with the home. We have received no complaints about this service. We have not received any information about this service that gives cause for concern and would make us think that the current quality rating is not accurate. What are we going to do as a result of this annual service review? We are not going to change our inspection plan, and will do a key inspection by 8th October 2010. However we can inspect the service at any time if we have concerns about the quality of the home or the safety of the people using the home. Annual Service Review Page 5 of 6 Reader Information
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