Alpine Lodge RCH Limited

Updated 7 December 2022

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by two inspectors and an assistant inspector.

Service and service type

Alpine Lodge is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Alpine Lodge is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make.

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with nine people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager and care workers.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and four medicines records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 7 December 2022

About the service

Alpine Lodge RCH Limited is a care home, which provides accommodation and personal care, rehabilitation and support to adults with mental health needs. At the time of the inspection 14 people lived in the service. The service can support up to 20 people. The service is over four floors, with access to the upper floors via stairs. Each person has a single bedroom with shared bathroom facilities. There is a garden and shared patio area.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People who lived in the service told us they were happy and safe. One person said; “I've got friends here, get on with everyone” and another said; “This is the best one (home) I've been to. The staff, the food, the décor, it's comfy.” People looked relaxed, happy and comfortable with staff supporting them. Staff were caring and spent time chatting with people as they moved around the service.

The environment was safe and there was equipment available to support staff in providing safe care and support. Health and safety checks of the environment and equipment were in place. Medicines were ordered, stored and disposed of safely.

People were supported to access healthcare services, staff recognised changes in people's health, and sought professional advice appropriately. Records were accessible and up to date.

Staff received appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role safely, including fire safety and mental health training. Staff were recruited safely in sufficient numbers to ensure people’s needs were met. There was time for people to have social interaction and go out into the community. Staff knew how to keep people safe from harm.

Cleaning and infection control procedures had been updated in line with COVID-19 guidance to help protect people, visitors and staff from the risk of infection.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Records of people's care were individualised and reflected each person’s needs and preferences. Risks were identified, and staff had guidance to help them support people to reduce the risk of avoidable harm. People’s communication needs were identified, and where they wanted, people had end of life wishes explored and recorded.

People and staff told us the registered manager made themselves available and assisted them daily. They went onto say how they were approachable and listened when any concerns or ideas were raised. One person said; “(Named the registered manager) is marvellous, everyone loves her, she's got a way with people. Been here years. If there’s any problem she will sort it out.”

People and their families were provided with information about how to make a complaint and details of the complaint’s procedure were displayed at the service.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for the service was requires improvement. (published 11 January 2020.) At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the services' overall rating is now good.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.