Fife Social Work Service - Adult Services Resources

Introduction

St. Clair Resource Centre is a Fife Council purpose-built Care Service for a maximum of 100 adults with learning disabilities and has been operating since 1982. Located in a residential part of Kirkcaldy, with easy access to shops and bus services, it operates from Monday to Friday between 09.00 hours and 15.30 hours; when social events are arranged these hours are extended. There is adequate parking for mini-buses and cars and varied landscaped areas around the building. A small sheltered, themed garden is currently being constructed with many Centre members contributing to its planning and development. The Centre has level access into and within the building and all areas to which Centre members and visitors have access are on ground floor level. The Manager is responsible for all day to day operational matters and staff supervision; he and many of the staff have worked in this Centre for a number of years.

The Centre's published statement clearly encompasses sound principles of care, recognising and valuing the individuality of each Centre member and "that they have the right to respect and dignity... "to make choices in their own lives and participate fully in society as equal partners...." These principles were evidenced throughout this inspection.

Basis of Report

This Report has been compiled on the following basis:

• The Inspection took regard of The Regulation of Care Act (Scotland) 2001, Statutory Instrument 2002!
• 114 and account of the National Care Standards namely:
  • Standard 3 - Your Legal Rights
  • Standard 9 - Feeling Safe and Secure
  • Standard 11 - Expressing Your Views
  • Standard 12 - Lifestyle - social, Cultural and Religious Belief or Faith
  • Standard 13 - Eating Well
• Pre-arranged Inspection visits involving two Care Commission Officers, AnneEaston and Bob McQueen on 11^th and 19^th September, 2003.
• Examination of written information submitted by the Manager, operational practices, policies and procedures, personal case files, medication storage and records and other records and statutory documents.
• A detailed inspection of the premises.
• Discussions with 12 Centre members and 5 staff.
• Observation of direct practices in the service, including management of a meal time.

Action Taken On Requirements In Last Inspection Report

The announced inspection was carried out by Care Commission Officers on 11^th and19^th September, 2003.

1. The date on which the service was first provided to the service Centre member and the date of their death or departure must be recorded in accordance with Section 19(1) & 19(3)(i) of Regulation 114.
   This has been satisfactorily dealt with.
2. The complaints procedure should be reviewed and must comply with the requirements of Section 25 of Regulation 114.

Comment On Self-Evaluation

The self-evaluation document appeared to have been well considered and completed in full by the Manager; comment was made about Centre members having access to relevant documents and agreements; areas for development were identified, for example continuous efforts are being made by the Manager and staff to improve levels of meaningful communication, with symbols where appropriate; this indicates an openness between management, staff and Centre members; additionally, Centre members and their relatives are said to be encouraged to raise any matters about the care provided.

All of these aspects were found to be evidenced throughout the inspection and there is a unambiguous willingness and commitment to reflect on, and develop, practice.

Views of Service Centre Members

Eleven Centre members were interviewed and Officers were convinced that they were all very satisfied with the many services at St Clair Centre, the staff, the external events and activities provided and two commented on the fact that they" had never tried painting until I came here

Another comment made, with some delight was" I love arts and crafts here and the singing group".

Additionally, Centre members confirmed that they were satisfied with the personal care provided, the food was to their liking and the staff were kind and responsive to their requests for assistance.

One Centre member was very excited about the outdoor walking group.

Views of Carers

No carers were available for interview.

Standard 3: Your Legal Rights

You have a written agreement which clearly defines the support seniice that will be provided to meet your needs. It sets out the terms and conditions for receiving the support service and arrangements for changing or ending the contract.

Strengths:

Only some members have written agreements setting out services that will be provided and other associated items. These have been drawn up by the Manager who is currently discussing with other managers and senior staff, the need for all Centre members to have written agreements that meet The National Care Standards.

• Centre members receive a Brochure which is under review due to inaccuracies and a need to make it more specific and informative, and other information defining the services that will be provided, It was highlighted by the Manager that all documents which will be made available to Centre members, have to be in appropriate form and style for easy reading. These are currently under development by management.
• Written policies and procedures were comprehensive and readily available to Centre members and relatives/representatives. These are currently under development by management.
• Confirmation regarding compliance with all legislation and guidance, would be made available to Centre members and relatives/representatives, on request.
• Care staff interviewed were aware of the aims, objectives and policies of St. Clair Resource Centre and stated their commitment to ensuring high standards of care delivery.

Areas for development:

Progress must be made to ensure all Centre members have a written agreement as described in Standard 3.

Recommendation 1

You have a written agreement which clearly defines the support service that will be provided to meet your needs. It sets out the terms and conditions for receiving the support service and arrangements for changing or ending the contract

3 Months for completion.

Standard 3: Your Environment

You can be confident that the building is accessible and designed so that it provides a safe, open and pleasant environment which strikes a balance between private, group and public space.

Strengths:

• The approaches and exterior of the premises were seen to be in good repair; the entrance hallway had a very welcoming ambience and all parts seen internally were in good decorative order. A very few areas are in need of routine re-decoration and plans are in hand to execute this within reasonable timescales. The sensitive displaying of paintings, drawings and other artefacts, many produced by Centre members, gave much identity and added sensitive importance to an overall "good feel" factor.
• The provision of ample space for group activities is appreciated by Centre members and is well used; particular areas such as training kitchen, arts and crafts room, library/ first aid teaching area, are well appointed.
• The care suites, physiotherapy and sensory areas are much used resources and clearly there is much positive and structured work undertaken therein.
• Mention must be made of the vibrant colours which have been used in certain parts of the Centre, particularly on floor coverings. They are not intrusive but assist in creating the obvious pleasant and friendly atmosphere and were influenced by members' opinion.

Areas for development:

Re-decoration programme is ongoing and continuously under review with joint Centre member and staff participation. There are no areas for development actions and all areas will be continuously reviewed as standard practice.

Standard 9: Supporting Communication

You have help to use services, aids and equipment for communication if your first language is not English or if you have any other communication needs

Strengths:

• Care plans indicate that staff are acutely aware of levels of ability and changing needs of Centre members in terms of communication and devise support mechanisms to assist. Observations and interviews with staff confirmed this. Some staff have had training in specific areas of communication and symbols are used as appropriate.
• Although there appears to be some difficulty in acquiring the necessary level of Speech Therapy help, the Manager is pursuing this and is keen to have further staff training in these areas. One care file seen had detailed information about the use of a Speech Therapist and noted the value this was to the Centre member concerned.
• Staff interviewed, highlighted that it was so necessary to give Centre members the time, encouragement and opportunity to express themselves and the use of specific group work is deemed essential, as is the need to develop computer programmes. Centre members are encouraged to take an active interest in the newsletters which are produced regularly.

Areas for development:

To be continually reviewed

Standard 10: Feeling Safe and Secure

You take responsibility for your own actions, secure in the knowledge that the support service has proper systems in place to protect your interests.

Strengths

Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place regarding abuse, restraint, whistle blowing, complaints procedure and accident/incident recording. Accident records seen were completed satisfactorily. There is evidence that great care is taken to ensure a safe environment and appropriate arrangements for the maintenance and service of fire fighting equipment, fire prevention systems and safety of other appliances, are in place.

• There was clear evidence that policies, assessments and risk management are cross referenced and recorded in personal plans. Additionally, it was noted that these are reviewed regularly.
• All visitors report to, and sign-in, at the reception area located at the end of the entrance hallway.
• Centre members reported feeling safe and secure.

Areas for development:

To be continually reviewed

Standard 12: Expressing Views

You are encouraged and helped to make your views known on any aspects of the support service

Strengths

• Centre members were satisfied that they could discuss any concerns, either with their named worker or the Manager. There are also joint Centre members / staff meetings, with printed minutes; these meetings provide an opportunity for ideas to be aired and concerns or complaints to be resolved at a local level.
• There is a complaints procedure on display which has been amended to contain details of the Care Commission.
• There is an advocacy service available.
• Centre members were aware that an inspection was taking place and participated in interviews. Inspection reports are available to Centre members and their representatives on request.

Areas for development

To be continually reviewed

Standard 13: Lifestyle- social, Cultural and Religious Beliefs of Faith

Your social, cultural and religious belief or faith are respected. You are able to live your life in keeping with these beliefs.

Strengths:

• Centre members' social, cultural and religious beliefs or faith are known and respected and staff are sensitive to the needs of individuals to follow their own chosen lifestyle.
• Reference is made in individual personal plans regarding Centre members' religion or faith and Centre members are encouraged to continue with their established practice if they choose to do so.
• social events and activities organised by the Centre are available to everyone. Seasonal festivals are celebrated.
• Centre members' ideas and beliefs about sexuality are respected and staff have a stated commitment through private discussion and reviews to ensure that proper, sensitive discussions take place with each individual, as required.
• A Sexuality Policy is in draft form and will be circulated to all staff for perusal very soon.

Areas for development:

To be continually reviewed.

Standard 15: Eating Well- Where the Support Service Provides Meals

Your meals are varied and nutritious. They reflect your food preferences and any special dietary needs. They are well prepared and cooked and attractively presented

Strengths

• Menus are varied and offer a choice at each meal. Centre members are individually informed of the daily menu and can make choices. Some Centre members bring their own packed lunch.
• Facilities are available for Centre members or visitors to partake of hot or cold drinks and snacks in the coffee bar, which is open all afternoon. Cold water is available all day.
• Care staff are available to assist less able Centre members with their food; adapted cutlery and crockery is available if required; staff are aware of any changes in eating patterns and will discuss this with Centre member / carer.
• Catering staff meet regularly with other staff and Centre members to evaluate meals and plan the menus.
• Meals are well presented and appetising.

Areas for development:

• Manager, staff and Centre members are looking at ways to speed up the service of lunch.
• A Development Plan is to be formed to ensure highest standards of service, feedback of information to catering staff and healthy eating options are achieved.

To be continually reviewed.

Complaints

There have been no complaints to the Care Commission in respect of this service.

Comments: See Below

Regulation 4: Welfare of Centre Members

There is clearly much care taken by staff of all grades to ensure proper provision of services for Centre members in relation to health and welfare.

Regulation 4 b): Welfare of Centre Members

Throughout this Inspection it was observed that the approach and attitude of staff to individual Centre members and to those in group activities was attentive and supportive without being intrusive. The Principles of privacy and dignity were practised in all situations and interactions seen.

Regulation 13: Staffing / Fitness

The workload is clearly demanding and it was noted from the roster that if staff were on leave or off sick, there is no replacement help. Management indicated that there may, on occasion, be a slight reduction in some activities if staffing levels are lowered: however, staff may be drafted in from other resources to cover. The Manager is pursuing the need for a more efficient provision to be made.

Regulation 5: Personal Plans

Inspection of a sample of personal plans showed that Regulation 5(1) and 5(2) are fully met.

Enforcement

None

Other Issues

None

Recommendations

Recommendation 1.

You have a written agreement which clearly defines the support service that will be provided to meet your needs. It sets out the terms and conditions for receiving the support service and arrangements for changing or ending the contract

3 Months for completion.

Requirements

None

Bob McQueen

Locum Care Commission Officer

Date: 27/10/03

© Care Commission 2003/2004 ó This report may only be reproduced in full.