Hitchin Road STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 9 Hitchin Road

Hitchin Road STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 9 Hitchin Road Stevenage Hertfordshire, SG 1 3 JB Telephone: 01438 352 395 E-mail: hitchinroad@lot-uk. org. uk Updated July 2014

INDEX 1. Introduction to Hitchin Road 2. Aims of Hitchin Road 3. The Accommodation 4. Local Amenities 5. Person Centred Planning 6. Visiting Arrangements 7. Trips Away 8. The Staff Team at Hitchin Road 9. Life Opportunities Trust C. V. 10. Management Team at Central Office 11. Inspection Reports 12. Complaints 13. User Group 14. The Community Team & Care Manager 15. Scope Day Centre 16. In Case of Emergencies 17. Fire Action 18. Philosophy at Hitchin Road 19. Practice Procedures 20. Service User Charter 21. Service User Involvement 22. Admissions & Discharge

1. INTRODUCTION TO HITCHIN ROAD Hitchin Road is a large two story detached house set in its own mature grounds. The home is leased by Life Opportunities Trust from Hertfordshire County Council and is furnished to reflect and promote the personal and individual choices of the service users. Hitchin Road is registered for seven older people who have a learning disability with varying degrees of physical disability. There are 4 designed wheelchair rooms. Life Opportunities Trust provides the care and management of the home.

2. AIMS OF HITCHIN ROAD At Hitchin Road service users come first. We aim to provide a secure, homely environment where service users are treated as individuals and are involved in the decisions about how the home is run. DIGNITY RESPECT CHOICE We achieve this through a committed care team at Hitchin Road offering choice, respect, dignity and promoting our service users self independence in every area of home life and personal care.

3. THE ACCOMODATION The home comprises of a lounge with TV, DVD, player and karaoke music centre; Dining room, 2 single bedrooms on the ground floor, kitchen, toilet, office and bathroom. There is a lift up to the first floor, which includes 5 single bedrooms, toilet, bathroom, laundry room and sluice room. Outside, there is a patio area at the rear with wheelchair access and a large garden, mostly laid to lawn with a sensory area. The home also has a wheelchair accessible minibus. The home has its own safe for belongings of value and a general storage cupboard.

4. LOCAL AMENITIES Hitchin Road is a short walk away from Stevenage Old Town which has a large range of amenities such as shops, banks, restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and supermarkets. Also located nearby is the Lister Hospital and several GP surgeries. Stevenage Old Town and local areas have adequate amenities/facilities to meet the needs of everyday life in general.

5. PERSON CENTRED PLANNING The home is structured around the individual needs and wishes of the service user, where each service user has their own chosen routine and activities which vary from day to day. Each service user is supported by a key worker who takes a special interest in all aspects of their life and works together to meet all the service users needs and aspirations via Person Centred Planning. M y. P CP P lan

6. VISITING ARRANGEMENTS Service users and staff welcome visitors to Hitchin Road and we hope that friends and family will feel free to visit and feel welcome. Visiting times are flexible and friends and family are welcome at reasonable hours and may just turn up, though it is advisable to phone first to check that the person they want to visit is in and is willing to see them or they may be disappointed. Hitchin Road would respect the service user’s right to refuse a visitor.

7. TRIPS AWAY Staff at Hitchin Road can also support service user’s to go on trips: such as to the seaside the countryside and other trips or days out.

8. THE STAFF TEAM AT HITCHIN ROAD The staff at Hitchin Road consist of: • A Home Manager • Two Seniors • Eight Support Workers • Five Night Support Worker. Michelle Theobald is the Home Manager. She has several years experience working in residential care and has completed her NVQ level 3 and has achieved an ‘Advanced level apprenticeship in Management’ award. Mark & Rachel are the seniors at Hitchin Road. They both have NVQ level 3 in care. All staff complete training in first aid, fire safety, food hygiene and other relevant courses needed to ensure a high standard of care and competence. There is Senior Management on call 24 hours a day.

9. Life Opportunities Trust C. V. Life Opportunities Trust (LOT) is a registered charity which was established in 1989. LOT provides a service to people with learning disabilities, aged from 19 to 93 years, with a range of physical and special needs, including mental health problems. LOT homes are funded through contracts with local authorities and rents paid by service-users, based on DSS benefits. There a total of 15 homes based in London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire which provide support for 98 service users. LOT has a small Central Management structure so that charitable donations go directly to the service users rather than office administration. LOT has 9 Trustees acting as an unpaid Board of Management, who meet on a regular basis. They have extensive experience in developing and running services for people with learning disabilities. Ralph Verlander is the Chief Executive of LOT. He has worked in Learning Disabilities since 1985, in both the NHS and voluntary sector. Registered address: Hempstead House 1 Hempstead Road Kings Langley Hertfordshire, WD 4 8 BJ Tel: 01923 299770

10. MANAGEMENT TEAM AT CENTRAL OFFICE RALPH VERLANDER CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANGELA TIERNEY DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE GORDON FARROW FINANCE MANAGER JACQUI O’CALLAGHAN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

11. INSPECTION REPORT Hitchin Road is registered with CQC for residential care and has regular inspection visits from a CQC Inspection Officer. A copy of the Inspection Report is kept in the office at Hitchin Road. If you wish to see a report please contact Michelle Theobald, the Home Manager. You can also request copies of the Inspection Report from: Care Quality Commission CQC Eastern Citygate Gallowgate Newcastle upon Tyne NE 1 4 PA Telephone: 03000 616161

12. COMPLAINTS Life Opportunities Trust aims to maintain a high quality of care in all its Homes and to improve the service it provides. The Trust wishes to resolve any problems in the shortest possible time. MICHELLE THEOBALD HOME MANAGER RALPH VERLANDER CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANGELA TIERNEY DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE It is hoped that any problems can be resolved through discussion with the Home Manager in the first instance then if necessary, LOT’s senior management.

12. COMPLAINTS However, if you would like to talk to someone outside LOT regarding your concern or complaint, the local office of the Care Quality Commission is given below: Care Quality Commission CQC Eastern Citygate Gallowgate Newcastle upon Tyne NE 1 4 PA Telephone: 03000 616161 Whatever action is taken we will ØListen ØSupport you ØTell you what is happening and what we are doing ØKeep you informed at every stage Any complaint will be fully investigated and responded to within 28 days. Those making a complaint will not be victimised.

13. USER GROUP The service is designed for 7 adults (both males and females) with learning disabilities who may also have physical disabilities and high physical care needs. The service offers people the opportunity to make choices about their preferred lifestyle. Hitchin Road does not provide nursing care, however we welcome input from all health care professionals. Service users at Hitchin Road are supported to attend the church of their choice and staff are happy to accommodate/ facilitate people of all religious beliefs. Care reviews are held regularly. They are chaired by the Care Manager and include the service user, key staff, families and advocates. The key worker will advocate the service users rights and choices during any reviews or meetings.

14. THE COMMUNITY TEAM AND CARE MANAGER The community team and care managers are based at the Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT). CLDT can provide advice and help on: • Social Workers • Community Nurses • Speech & Language Therapists • Psychiatrists • Psychologists Their contact details are: Community Learning Disability Team Farnham House 6 Hills Way Stevenage Herts SG 1 2 FQ Tel: 01438 843222

15. DAY CENTRE’S Many of service users attend Day Centre’s, including Wisden Court and Nightingale House. Here they have programmes to suit individual interests, hobbies and life development skills. Activities include cookery, art and crafts, gardening, music, discussion sessions, reminiscence sessions, sensory sessions and outings.

16. IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES In the case of an emergency where a room can not be used, service users can be moved to another room at Hitchin Road or temporarily to another LOT home. Sewells is the nearest LOT home to Hitchin Road and can be contacted on 01707 321344. Dial 999 to call emergency services if needed. Contacts: Home Manager Central Office Care Manager (civic number) CQC There is a senior manager -call 24 hours per day. 01438 352395 01923 299770 01895 556116 03000 616161 on The emergency on-call mobile number is: 07885 978351

17. FIRE ACTION IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE: • Operate the fire alarm • Inform staff member to call 999 • Leave the building and report to the person in charge • USE the nearest available exit • DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings • DO NOT use the lift • Wait at the front of the building away from the entrance until you are advised what to do. • If you are unable to exit the building stay behind a closed fire door until you can be assisted out of the building. • DO NOT go back in to the building until told it is safe to do so

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD The principles underlining the philosophy of Hitchin Road reflect Life Opportunities Trust’s statement of purpose and the requirements of the Care Quality Commission. These principles are as follows: a) Each person should be treated as a valued member of society. b) Each person is an individual with needs and wishes which should be respected. c) Each person should be enabled to make informed choices and take reasonable risks in all areas of life. DIGNITY RESPECT CHOICE d) Each person should have as many opportunities as possible to meet and form relationships with people who are not providing services to them.

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD These principles are based on the following values: a) Services should be on an individual basis, acknowledging the persons individual social, physical, psychological, emotional and cultural needs. b) Service users, families and carers should be fully involved in service decisions. c) There should be continuity of service provision.

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD Staff providing services at Hitchin Road will ensure that the service users are: a) Treated with respect and dignity. b) Respected in cultural differences & religious beliefs. c) Encouraged and supported with self help skills and independence. d) Given access to all health care resources available.

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD Staff providing services at Hitchin Road will ensure that the service users are: e) Respected with regards to privacy and confidentiality. f) Given access to education, training and day services. g) Given the opportunity to socialise within the community. h) Making their own choices and their wishes and individual rights are respected.

19. PRACTICE PROCEDURES 1. Key worker and Care Planning There is one key worker to each service users who takes a special interest in the person and in all aspects of their life. 2. Staff Team Meetings Staff team meetings are held once a month, at which relevant LOT & service user issues are discussed. 3. Medication is dispensed by Boots Pharmacy mainly in Blister packs. Staff check the name, date and time before administering medication to the service user. The staff member must sign to say it has been given correctly and been taken by the service user.

19. PRACTICE PROCEDURES 4. Health and Safety Michelle Theobald is the Health and Safety representative for Hitchin Road and is responsible for all areas of health and safety and risk assessments. 6. Service User Finances Service users are encouraged and supported as far as possible to take responsibility of their own finances. All transactions are entered in an individual book. Cash tins are checked after each transaction. 7. Visiting Arrangements Staff within the Home hope that friends and family feel free to visit at anytime though it is advisable that they phone first.

19. PRACTICE PROCEDURES 8. Transport The Home has the use of two vehicles with ramps which are wheelchair accessible. Some staff are insured to use their own vehicles to transport service users. 9. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the home. It is only permitted in the garden.

20. SERVICE USERS CHARTER Life Opportunities Trust is committed to providing a quality service based on the values of: • PRIVACY • DIGNITY We will respect an individual’s right to privacy at all times and accept that at times they may wish to be alone. The individual’s room is their private domain and they are able to lock the door whenever they wish. No member of staff will enter the room unless invited, except in an emergency. We will help promote the individual’s quality of life, always maintaining their dignity and respecting their wishes. • INDEPENDENCE We will offer assistance with the functions of daily living to promote independence and recognise individual abilities.

20. SERVICE USERS CHARTER • CHOICE We will discuss all aspects of life, care and support, listening and responding to the wishes and choices of the service user. We will complete an individual plan with the service user and review it regularly. Each service user will be encouraged to personalise their private room. • RIGHTS We will encourage citizenship, total freedom of choice. Each person will have the right to vote if they should wish to do so. • FULFILMENT We will offer a placement based on an assessment of current needs and wishes and will do our best to accommodate them though if a change of accommodation becomes necessary for any reason, we will assist in finding suitable alternatives. We will not unreasonably restrict anyone in any way and will encourage participation and the expression of opinions about the standard of support provided.

20. SERVICE USERS CHARTER EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES We respect each individual as a person, their beliefs, culture, sexuality, religion and will not discriminate against anyone on any grounds whatsoever. DIVERSITY We will recognise and value differences in its broadest sense and encourage participation We welcome culture and practices that recognise, respect, value and harness difference for the benefit of service users and staff. COMPLAINTS We will recognise and admit mistakes and try to rectify such errors. We will help service users with any complaint and advise them of the appropriate Authority whom they should contact regarding a complaint, if they so wish.

21. SERVICE USERS INVOLVEMENT Regular meetings are held where service users are able to express their views and work with staff, discussing issues and making choices regarding all aspects of life at Hitchin Road. DAILY LIVING HAPPY DÉCOR SUPPORT FOOD ROUTINE CHANGES Service users also have the opportunity to express their views through regular reviews, surveys, meetings and the complaints procedure.

22. ADMISSIONS & DISCHARGE Moving into care is a major event and the move should be carried out sensitively and be unhurried, taking into account the individuals wishes and needs. Brief visits and trial stays are organised to familiarise the prospective service user with the surroundings and staff. Referrals are made through the Care Management Team who carry out an assessment and ensure there is adequate staffing and facilities to meet the individual’s requirements. The Home Manager will also carry out an assessment involving the service user, their friends & family and relevant professionals. They will devise a transition plan to ensure the move to Hitchin Road goes smoothly. Reviews are held at 6 weeks after moving in, then at 3 months then annually to ensure the service users needs are being met and they are happy with the service and their life at Hitchin Road.

22. ADMISSIONS & DISCHARGE LOT recognises a service users individual needs and wishes may change to the extent that moving to alternative accommodation may be necessary. LOT will fully support the service user through the discharge process which is led by the local Care Management Team. Family, friends and advocates are encouraged to be involved with the liaison with the new home. LOT will provide the service users new home with a package of the following details: • Financial details • Information file • Personal effects • DSS benefits • Medication • GP • Care Plan

Central Office Contact Life Opportunities Trust Hempstead House 1 Hempstead Road Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD 4 8 BJ Tel: Fax: HR Fax: 01923 299770 01923 299771 01923 299778 Email: info @lot-uk. org. uk Web: www. lot-uk. org. uk For more information about Hitchin Road or Life Opportunities Trust, see the Service User Guide and the Home’s Brochure. Please contact the above address or staff at Hitchin Road for more details. Registered Charity Number 1045150 A Company Limited by Guarantee in England Wales No. 3018000