Greenwood Lodge

Updated 21 August 2020

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

This inspection took place on 12 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 21 August 2020

Greenwood Lodge was a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. It was registered for the support of up to 18 people. The accommodation comprised of 16 bedrooms on two floors in the main building and two further bedrooms in an annexe to the side of the main building. At the time of the inspection two people lived in the annexe and 12 people lived in the main building. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However. the size of the service having a negative impact on people was being mitigated by the ongoing building adaptations to enable the provider to split the main building into two living areas, eight people in each area. he principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance ensure people with a learning disability and or autism who use a service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best outcomes that include control, choice and independence

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

We found some concerns with prevention and control of infection. One person was on a soft fork mashable diet, yet staff allowed this person to eat crisps. Medicines were managed safely, there were enough staff on duty and staff were recruited safely.

Staff did not receive adequate supervision, however, the registered manager had recognised this prior to our inspection and put a supervision matrix in place. Work was needed with the dining experience for people, as choice was limited. Premises were in the middle of being adapted and updated. The existing rooms and annexe needed an update and some areas improving. The registered manager said the whole service was to be decorated and modernised and sent an action plan after the inspection. Staff were trained to enable them to carry out their roles effectively. Staff were supported and encouraged to attend English lessons, when this was not their first language. 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.

Staff knew people well and supported people in line with the person’s preferences and wishes. Staff encouraged people to be independent.

Care plans were person centred. The service employed an activity coordinator who supported different people/groups though out the day. No complaints had been received and we saw good end of life plans in place.

Staff felt supported by the registered manager. The provider had made improvements since our last inspection, however further work was needed. Quality audits and governance oversight was robust. The service had good links with the community.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

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 this service was requires improvement (published 2 August 2018) The service remains rated requires improvement. This service has been rated requires improvement for the last three consecutive inspections.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will meet with the provider following this report being published to discuss how they will make changes to ensure they improve their rating to at least good. We will work with the local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.