Care Home

Recent Inspection Report Carried out on 9 th May 2007 by Commission for Social Care Inspection

Stichell House received an excellent CSCI report for its first inspection. 

Twenty three standards were assessed during the inspection. The standards are assessed using a scale set by CSCI, which ranges from 1 – standard not met (major shortfall) to 4 – standard exceeded (commendable). Of the 23 standards assessed Stichell House received 15 x standard met, no short falls and 8 x standard exceeded (commendable) scores.

Stichell House was assessed in areas such as Environment, Staffing, Management and  Administration, all of which the quality outcome was excellent. Approximately 20 people who live at Stichell House were spoken to by the inspector, and commented ‘the home is very well run’.

CSCI comments on what the service does well are as follows:

• People living at the home say they are well cared for and supported by a good staff team.
• Training standards are high and people living at the home are asked for their feedback.
• There is a good choice of food and people are encouraged and supported to remain independent.
• Many of the National Minimum Standards have been exceeded by the home, this is commendable.

It is also worth mentioning Stichell House has been awarded a 5 star Food Hygiene Award by Hartlepool Borough Council for standards of hygiene.

Contents:

1. Building on a Living Tradition.
2. Services.
3. Applying for a Place.
4. Fees.
5. Contact.

1. Building on a Living Tradition

Stichell House – opened in October 2006 – is a brand new residential home for older people. It replaces the old Hospital and continues the tradition of providing the highest quality of care in a residential setting.

Stichell House has 35 rooms all of which exceed the government minimum requirements for floor space. It has all the special facilities needed for a modern care home and fully trained and qualified staff. Everyone who lives here is part of our community and the staff are dedicated to the promotion of the independence and well being of each resident.

The home is situated in attractive, landscaped grounds in the centre of Greatham, a quiet residential village about 4 miles from Hartlepool that has several shops and pubs. Many of the properties in the village are owned by the Hospital of God, including the farm and woodlands, which adjoin the Hospital. The Hospital chapel is situated in the grounds with the parish church of St John the Baptist nearby. There is also a Methodist Church in the village.

The Hospital of God at Greatham is a registered charity with a Christian foundation which is open to people of all faiths or none. We employ a chaplain to provide spiritual support to those who want it and there is a weekly communion service in the Hospital chapel for any residents that wish to attend.

Our Management team is qualified to NVQ level 4 or equivalent and most care staff are trained to NVQ level 2. We have an ongoing training programme which covers and exceeds the mandatory requirements within the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People.

Our domestic staff, also trained in care, are encouraged to spend 'quality time' with residents. In this way all our staff are part of the care team which results in the best possible care for each individual.

In addition to their own rooms there are also areas where residents can get together and a delightful sunny courtyard area.

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2. Services

All meals are prepared in our own kitchen and our kitchen staff personally discuss menus with the residents. We are, therefore, able to cater for individual tastes and dietary needs.

We provide a full laundry service for residents and take great care to ensure that residents always have a supply of clean clothes.

Our links with the community include the services of a chiropodist, hairdresser and barber at a reasonable charge. We recognise the importance of health care for residents and the Hospital has good links with local general practitioners and the clinic in Greatham that is run by the Primary Care Trust.

The independence, dignity and privacy of all who live at Greatham Hospital is a priority. Our caring and friendly staff help residents lead positive and rewarding lives. They are encouraged to take an active part in the running of the home and to make decisions in all aspects of their daily lives. We have an active social programme and residents are also encouraged to maintain community links. Residents are encouraged to manage their own finances where possible and all rooms have lockable storage for valuables. We make sure that belongings are insured against fire and theft - just in case.

It means that Greatham Hospital is a home in the best sense of the word with everyone part of the family and fully involved in our life together.

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3. Applying for a Place

If you or your relative is interested in a place at the Hospital of God

Our Home Manager will meet with you to talk about your care needs and the sort of service that we provide. Our aim is to make sure that that we fully understand your needs and can then decide whether we can meet them.

Amongst the areas that the Home Manager will discuss are:

• Your personal care needs and physical well being
  
  
• Continued involvement by your family when you come to us if that is what you want
  
  
• Personal independence while living with us and how we make sure that you can continue to do as much as you can for yourself
  
  
• Any particular needs relating to medication, falls, continence, mental condition or mobility
  
  
• Your hobbies and interests

The Home Manager may also come to see you at home if necessary and talk with your relatives with your permission.

Residents initially move in on a 6 week trial basis and towards the end of that period there is a review meeting to find out if everyone is happy with the situation. During this period the resident can get the feel of the home and find out whether or not we will be able to meet their needs and whether or not they will be happy in the home.

People can find the process of moving into a care home strange and upsetting and our staff will do everything they can to play a supportive, sensitive and understanding role, particularly during the weeks after admission.

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4. Fees

The fees for residential care at the Hospital of God are currently £424 per week. Some residents pay all of their own fees and others receive a contribution from the social services department in the area in which they lived before they come to us. The Home Manager will be happy to explain the social services financial assessment process for new residents.

Fees include all care and accommodation costs, food and drink, heating and lighting, laundry done on the premise and any other staff services. Fees do not cover the cost of newspapers, hairdressing, dry cleaning, taxis, chiropody, treatment by dentist or opticians or the purchase of clothing and personal effects. 

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5. Contact 

For further information please contact Mrs. Gail Defty, the Home Manager.

Tel: 01429 870247
Email: gail.defty@hospitalofgod.org.uk