Latest Inspection
This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 23rd June 2009. CQC found this care home to be providing an Good 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 The Brambles.
Annual service review
Name of Service: The Brambles The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: two star good service 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: kathy McCluskey Date of this annual service review: 2 3 0 6 2 0 0 9 Annual Service Review Page 1 of 6 Information about the service
Address of service: Six Acres Close Roman Road Taunton Somerset TA1 2BD 01823327714 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address:
ksaint@somerset.gov.uk Name of registered provider(s): Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mr Kristofer Saint Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : learning disability Conditions of registration: Somerset County Council (LD Services) Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 7 0 Service users may be admitted with a concurrent physical disability. Have there been any changes in the ownership, management or the Yes service’s registration details in the last 12 months? If yes, what have they been: The Commission approved an application in November 2008 for Mr Kristofer Saint to be registered manager. Date of last key inspection: Date of last annual service review (if applicable): Brief description of the service The Brambles is a single storey building situated close to Taunton town centre. There is a large lounge, dining room and two assisted bathrooms at the home. Building work to increase the size of bedrooms has been completed. The home is set in pleasant gardens that are accessible to people living there. The Brambles is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide care and
Annual Service Review Page 2 of 6 accommodation for up to seven people with learning disabilities and those that also have a physical disability. The home is not registered to provide nursing care. The registered manager is Mr Kristofer Saint and the responsible individual is Mr David Dick. 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 information that we have received and requested since the last key inspection. The Annual Quality Assessment Audit (AQAA) was sent out to the home and was completed and returned to CQC in a timely fashion. 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 sent comment cards to seek the views of people using the service, staff and health care professionals. We received completed comment cards from four staff and a relative/carer. Comments have been included in this report as appropriate. Regulation 37 notices informing us of significant events have been received throughout the year. The home makes telephone contact with the CQC if they have any concerns or wish to share information. The Commission have not received any concerns about the service in the last twelve months. What has this told us about the service? The AQAA told us that the home continues to provide good outcomes for people using the service. It told us that people live in a comfortable and safe environment which has been suitably adapted to meet individuals needs. It told us that in the last twelve months improvements have been made to the environment; We have adapted parts of the home to incorporate individuals needs and requirements and we have improved the internal decor and made it relevant to the people living here. The AQAA told us that the home continues to follow pre-admission assessment procedures that ensure placements are only offered where all parties are confident that the home can meet an individuals needs and aspirations. People thinking about using the service are given opportunities to test drive the home. The AQAA stated; We follow a series of visits and meetings to ensure the correct placement and that the transition is comfortable for both the new service user and the existing service user. During the visits we assess interactions to ensure compatibility. The AQAA told us that people are supported to be involved in all aspects of life in the home in line with their assessed needs. It told us that peoples health care needs are met. A relative/carer commented under the heading of what the home does well; The home looks after the needs of residents and involves them in the daily running of the home, It deals with things in a thoughtful way consulting with both residents and parents. The AQAA told us that people are protected by the homes robust staff recruitment procedures and that people benefit from a well trained workforce. In completed comment cards, staff confirmed that they had received the training needed to care for people living at the home. Staff also indicated that they felt well supported. Staff told us that; the standard of care is good, we help to develop the skills of service users, we treat each service user as an individual. Staff indicated that the service could Annual Service Review Page 4 of 6 further improve if there were more staff to allow for more activities. The AQAA told us that the home operates an open door policy where visitors are welcome in line with the preferences of people using the service. A relative/carer told us that staff are always friendly towards visitors and are very approachable. It told us that effective complaints procedures are in place and that people are supported to express their views about the service offered. The AQAA told us that the home have not received any complaints in the last twelve months. No concerns have been received by the Commission. The AQAA told us that staff and people using the service benefit from an effective management team who promote an open and inclusive style of management. Since the last inspection the Commission have approved an application for Mr Kristofer Saint to be registered manager. It told us that up to date procedures ensure the health and safety of persons at the home. 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 30th June 2010. 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 5 of 6 Reader Information
Document Purpose: Author: Audience: Further copies from: Annual service review CQC General Public 0870 240 7535 (national contact centre) Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. The content of which can be found on our website. Helpline:
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