At College Fields it is believed that everyone’s best interests are served by
having a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. Sometimes this
can be tedious but hopefully in this section we can explain the background
to the organisation and allow those who wish to delve into the detail the
opportunity to do so.
Briefly, all care services in Wales are regulated by the Care and Social Service Inspectorate for Wales CSSIW In the spring of 2007 CSSIW took over the responsibility of regulating the care services for Wales from the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales who had been responsible to the National Assembly for Wales since 2002.
Inspections. College Fields has been fully inspected and found to be offering a service that complies with the National Standards. A copy of the CSSIW report can be found on their web site. Their recent report dated 22 May 2011 can be downloaded though this link.
The management of College Fields are proud of the high standard of care at the home and the reports generated by the Inspectorate.
In addition to CSSIW, the home is inspected by the fire service, the Vale Council, Vale local health board, health and safety executive and every other body who have an interest in the well being of residents and staff. Back to top
The Statement of Purpose is the ‘mission statement’ about College Fields. It explains what we do and why we do it. It can be read in full through this link. In essence it shows that the primary aim is the well being of the residents, their family and friends. This aim is achieved by looking after not only the physical well being of those people but also their emotional well being. Back to top
A Guide for the residents helps residents and their families to understand the facilities that are available to them. How to make best use of them and how their best interests are achieved when we work together. To download a copy, click on this link.
A formal Contract can assist all parties understanding what is expected of them. The contract used by College Fields is the one agreed by the local authority and the local health board with providers across not only the Vale of Glamorgan but Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr. It covers all aspects of legal responsibilities including individuals. A copy can be downloaded through this link. Back to top
The Fee structure is set out in the contract where it states that all parties will abide by ministerial guidance. Briefly the ministerial guidance explains that the fees shall be set to cover the legitimate expenditure of providers. Each year discussions take place with the local authority and usually an agreed fee is set. Unusually this fee has to be set by a dispute resolution procedure set down in the contract. At College Fields local authority funded clients do NOT have to pay a supplementary fee or ‘top up’ only the amount assessed by the local authority as being appropriate for the means of the individual. Privately funded clients are charged this amount also or if the amount that has not been agreed with the local authority what the management believe will be the minimum that will be agreed. If the resident is assessed as qualifying for continuing healthcare then they are fully funded by the local health board. In summary:
Residents are generally funded either
A. From their own private funds
B. Supported (in part) by the local social services
C. NHS via continuing healthcare
So how is the level of fees assessed?
Every prospective resident is individually assessed for their particular needs. The amount of care is assessed and if it found that extra time or facilities are required then they will be priced and a total package price determined.
How is the Basic fee level set? Irrespective of whether the local authority are paying or whether the resident is privately funded the level of fees is set by a formula that takes into account the costs of running the home. Each year the local authority will agree a fee (or have it determined by arbitration) and private residents will NOT be asked to pay in excess of this spot contract price. Neither will local authority funded residents be requested to fund a top up for the ‘normal’ contract services. Back to top
