Latest Inspection
This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 15th February 2010. 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 Lowena Hostel.
Annual service review
Name of Service: Lowena Hostel The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: two star good service 2 3 0 1 2 0 0 9 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: Mandy Norton Date of this annual service review: 1 3 0 1 2 0 1 0 Annual Service Review Page 1 of 5 Information about the service
Address of service: Mitchell Hill Truro Cornwall TR1 1JX 01872270013 01872241992 jjackson@cornwall.gov.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address:
Name of registered provider(s): Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : learning disability Cornwall County Council Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 25 0 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 Lowena is a care home for adults with learning disabilities providing a short break service. Over 100 families are currently supported by the service. The home is located close to the centre of the City of Truro. The home is purpose built, divided into four residential units, linked together by a central entertainments and activities room. One unit accommodates children, which is inspected separately. There is a sensory garden and brightly decorated courtyards for guests to enjoy. Each part of the home has its own kitchen, dining room and lounge. There is sufficient car parking to the front of the property. A copy of the last inspection report is available in the reception area, along with other useful information much of which is also in easy read fromat. The level of government benefits received by the guest determines the fees payable, and there is no fixed fee per night of stay. There are additional charges e.g. for hairdressing and newspapers etc. 2 3 0 1 2 0 0 9 Annual Service Review Page 2 of 5 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 (27/11/09). 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. Surveys returned to us by people using the service (13), relatives of people who use the service (6), relatives or advocates (3) and staff (4). Information we have about how the service has managed any complaints. What the service has told us about things that have happened in the service in the last 12 months. The previous key inspection and the results of any other visits that we have made to the service in the last 12 months. What other people have told us about the service What has this told us about the service? The service 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 judgement is that Lowena is still providing a good service and that they know what further improvements they need to make. People (and their relatives) using Lowena tell us that they are very happy with the service provided. We were told that they organise good things, keep relatives informed of any changes, they are always helpful and supportive and I really enjoy my stay at Lowena, I meet up with friends and go out to different places. makes me independent. Completed staff surveys indicated that the manager generally gives them enough support and meets with them to discuss how they are working. All four of the completed surveys indicated that they knew what to do if someone has concerns about the service. The service 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 service continues to provide good outcomes for the people who use it. There have been no complaints made to the Commission in the last 12 months. The AQAA states that Lowena has received no complaints in the last 12 months either. The AQAA states We have involved guests in the selection and recruitment of staff which has been very positive and successful. Staff have attended specific training on Annual Service Review Page 3 of 5 equality & diversity, mental capacity act, safeguarding adults, positive response training, risk assessments, fire safety and customer care. It goes on to say that future improvements are to include Continue to involve guests and families with the development of the service. Produce a regular newsletter with guests involvement. Provide training and development for all staff on Human Rights. 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 23/01/12. However we can inspect the service at any time if we have concerns about the quality of the service or the safety of the people using the service. Annual Service Review Page 4 of 5 Reader Information
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