Archived decisions

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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Building layout - does not allow for smaller group living areas (main lounges/ dining rooms are on the ground floor)

The bedrooms are on the first floor with main communal lounges and dining room on the ground floor. This can make it difficult to promote independence as the distance between rooms means that residents may need to use a wheelchair.

(b)

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

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Occupancy levels are high (98 - 100%)with a waiting list - a popular home in the locality

2 (a)

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

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The home currently provides placements for older people who are physically frail with a number of residents with mild dementia.

Due to the layout of the building and size of the bedrooms it does not lend itself to meet needs of older people who need a lot of equipment. Often it is necessary to move furniture out of bedrooms before the portable hoists are moved in to assist residents in moving and handling.

The main lounge on the ground floor is relatively small with a partition wall dividing it into two. The lounge area is used as a walk way between the home and the dining area .

The home has numerous narrow and dimly lit corridors. Two of these corridors lead directly down the back stairs and to the kitchen. Residents who are wandering could easily come down to these very high risk areas.

The laundry is positioned behind the kitchen. It comprises two rooms - one has 2 washing machines and the other a single dryer. Both rooms are small.

The laundry shoots delivers the bags of soiled linen from upstairs into the room with the dryer. This is inappropriate for the management of Infection Control and is a major hazard.

In order to return clean laundry the staff member has to either carry laundry up the back stairs or - weather permitting - take the linen trolley across the courtyard to avoid walking through the kitchen.

(b)

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

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The home was built in the 1970's - recent external redecoration

The windows are not double glazed. They are made of old aluminium, are prone to stick and are difficult to open and close.

Some areas need refurbishing (decorating, carpets, and furniture)

Fire Safety Work to be completed to meet regulations

There is some asbestos that will need to be removed if the fire safety work is to be done.

The Fire survey highlighted that the Emergency Lighting was totally inadequate.

One Fire Exit leads from the dining room through the kitchen. Quotations are being sought to provide safer egress in the case of fire.

The Fire audit highlighted that work was required in the roof space to partition the area safely.

The roof has ongoing problems with leaks and falling tiles in bad weather. The building surveyor has, on several occasions, identified that the solution requires major work/total roof replacement.

( c)

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

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All baths in use are maintained and service regularly.

However the baths include only one new assisted bath. One Parker Bath and an outdated bath with a manual hoist are also in use but there operation does not support the welfare of the staff.

One other Parker Bath is at the rear of the old day centre and is not used.

The nurse call system is obsolete and replacements are no longer available. The entire system will have to be replaced to be fit for purpose.

(d)

All parts of the home are clean and tidy

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There are a number of unused rooms which are used for storage. The rooms cannot be used for residents due to their size and location

(e)

Adequate private and communal accommodation is provided for service user

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There is adequate communal accommodation as the day centre ceased three years ago leaving an area that is now used for activities.

The communal accommodation is mainly on the ground floor

There are small sitting rooms and a lounge on the first floor.

None of the lounges are private.

(f)

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

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There are 26 bedrooms under 9.3 square metres which is not suitable for hoists etc. (out of a total of 34 bedrooms - 2 of which are used for respite). However this is compensated with the use of the old day centre which is a high activity area, and residents are encouraged to attend the activity programmes.

The limited space in the bedrooms does not provide suitable accommodation for residents who may wish to spend time in their bedrooms.

(g)

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

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There is adequate communal space

The activities area (old day centre) covers a number of rooms - and needs to be refurbished. The area is used extensively by the residents.

(h)

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

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Only the smoking lounge has a door. None of the other lounges are private.

(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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There are suitable facilities but they are not private

(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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Acceptable - meets regulations but only one bath is modern

(k)

Any necessary sluicing facilities are provided

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One sluice on the first floor - used for the whole home. Totally inadequate for the number of residents and their increasing needs. Very small and antiquated.

(l)

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

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Achieved only by using undersized rooms

(m)

Suitable storage facilities are provided for the use of service users

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Size of the bedrooms limits the storage space

(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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Lift small and old. Over the past year residents 2 residents have needed the services of the Fire Brigade to release them ( on both occasions this followed the engineers maintenance visit)

(o)

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

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There is a courtyard garden in the centre of the home which provides a safe outdoor area used by residents. The parameter gardens although pleasant are not secure.

Some residents prefer to sit at the front of the premises which is a major hazard and difficult to manage. However residents must be given the right to choose.

Very limited parking.

Shared drive has potential for conflict.

Potential conflict between pedestrians and vehicles as there is no footpath to the car park.

Increased numbers of visitors who are driving, and requiring parking facilities.

(p)

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

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Inadequate lighting in corridors. Some bedrooms have little natural light.

Heating inadequate. Residents and relatives have raised concerns about the lack of heating in both the lounges and the bedrooms.

Heating not controllable - no thermostats on radiators. Residents unable to choose temperature - no individual control.

Manual turn off for night time.

Boilers oil fired - past consideration has been given to change to Gas for greater efficiency.

4. (a)

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

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Ire Audit placed Linden House as a high risk requiring extensive work to bring up to standard

Removal of asbestos and redecoration following this essential work will increase the cost

There is a wooden walkway on the first floor which is a high risk

(b)

Provide adequate means of escape

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Dining room estimates in place to provide more appropriate and immediate escape route.