Reg.

*

Fit for Purpose

Action Required

23.

Yes

No

1 (a)

Suitable for purpose of achieving the aims & objectives set out in the statement of purpose

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Non-purpose built old building with an extension built in 1987

Building layout does not promote residents independence in terms of distance between rooms requiring use of wheelchairs by residents who can mobilise themselves over shorter distances with use of walking frames/ sticks

The building layout does not allow for smaller group living areas

(b)

The location of the premise is appropriate to the needs of the service users

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2 (a)

Physical design and layout of the premises meets the needs of the service users

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Long slopping corridor plus a shorter sloping corridor leading to this is a potential trips/ falls hazard

Long corridors - unacceptable distance between bedrooms and lounges/ dining areas given the frailty of existing and future service users

(b)

Premises are sound construction and kept in a good state of repair externally and internally

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Refurbishment/ Upgrading/ Asbestos requires removing

( c)

Equipment provided for service users or carers is maintained in good working order

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(d)

All parts of the home are clean and tidy

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(e)

Adequate private and communal accommodation is provided for service user

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The three main lounges are situated in the same area each leading into one another. This leads to high noise levels from TVs and Music, and a high level of activity in one area. The communal dining room is nearby. Two toilets serving these four communal rooms are insufficient for the number of service users. The level of activity in this one area near to the entrance hall is high

(f)

The size and layout of rooms occupied or used by service users are suitable to meet needs

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Reduction of double bedrooms

Seven double bedrooms were converted to single rooms in April 2003. That is capacity reduced from 46 residents to 39 residents

One double bedroom retained for couples or those wishing to share a bedroom

Loss of Income:

Seven placements @ £259 per week

Size of bedrooms

Six bedrooms are under 10 square metres. Although accepted at registration as this was an existing building, this does not provide adequate space for higher dependency residents

(g)

Adequate sitting, recreational and dining space provided separately from the service user's private accommodation

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Dining areas are too small to provide adequate space for service users with mobility equipment. Mobility equipment is removed to provide more space such that the residents independence is compromised

Noise levels are high due to the number of lounges in close proximity to each other

( TVs, music etc)

(h)

The communal space provided for service users is suitable for the provision of social, cultural and religious activities

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As above (f) - main communal areas serving the whole home are in close proximity. This does not provide quiet space

(i)

Suitable facilities are provided for service users to meet visitors in communal accommodation, and in private accommodation which is separate from the service users' own private rooms

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As above

(j)

They are provided at appropriate places in the premises sufficient number of lavatories and of wash-basins, baths and showers fitted with a hot and cold water supply

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Lavatories are not located in the appropriate places e.g. inadequate number near to lounge areas

A number of lavatories on the first floor are too narrow to provide adequate space for use of mobility equipment such as walking frames.

(k)

Any necessary sluicing facilities are provided

(l)

Suitable provision is made for storage for the purposes of the care home

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(m)

Suitable storage facilities are provided for the use of service users

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(n)

Suitable adaptations are made and such support, equipment and facilities, including passenger lifts, as may be required are provided for service users

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(o)

External grounds which are suitable for, and safe for use by, service users are provided and appropriately maintained

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The grounds are attractive & well maintained. However access could be improved with wider paths for access by wheelchairs/ larger paved area for seating. There is no "safe" garden at present

(p)

Ventilation, heating and lighting suitable for service users is provided in all parts of the care home which are used by service users

First floor corridors in a part of the building do not have external windows

4. (a)

Take adequate precautions against risks of fire, including the provision of suitable fire equipment

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Link passageway to the extension is a wooden construction does not meet fire requirements - leading to room closures

Bedroom Closures to meet Fire Requirements

10 bedrooms closed July 2004 reducing capacity from 39 residents to 29 residents

3 bedrooms closed 26 November 2004 reducing capacity from 29 residents to 26

residents

Loss of Income:

13 placements @ £259 per week

Cost of essential work to comply with the requirements of the local fire services

(b)

Provide adequate means of escape

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See F ire Audit