Woodthorpe Lodge

Updated 8 April 2021

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 Care Act 2014.

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 completed by two inspectors and an Expert-by-Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Woodthorpe Lodge is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since it was registered. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used all of this information to plan our inspection. The provider had not been sent a provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We gave the registered manager the opportunity to share this information during the inspection visit.

During the inspection

During the inspection we spoke five people who used the service to gain their views about the care and support provided. We also spoke with eight staff members including the registered manager, the care manager, the area manager, a housekeeper, activity co-ordinator and two care staff. We contacted three care staff and spoke with six relatives by telephone.

We reviewed care plans and care records for four people and looked at a sample of medicines and medicine records. We reviewed three staff supervision and recruitment files and training records for all staff. We looked at audits and checks to monitor and improve the service. We also looked at processes, policies and procedures that supported the provider, people and the staff team.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found, including planned improvements to food and mealtimes.

Updated 8 April 2021

About the service

Woodthorpe Lodge is a residential care home supporting up to 66 people with a variety of needs, including dementia. Accommodation is purpose built and is provided across two floors, consisting of individual apartments with en-suites and access to a range of communal areas. At the time of our inspection there were 29 people using the service.

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

People were supported to stay safe. Risks were identified and measures taken to keep people safe as far as possible whilst supporting their independence. There was a system in place to report any incidents, including safeguarding concerns, which were analysed for any themes or trends. People were supported by enough staff who knew them well and had been safely recruited. Medicines were administered safely and as prescribed. The environment was clean and good infection control procedures were followed.

Staff were supported to provide good care through effective training and induction to the service. Staff worked with health and social care professionals to help people maintain their health and well-being. People had access to the foods they liked, and staff encouraged them to choose healthy options. The environment had been designed to meet the needs of the people using the service, this included the provision of comfortable communal areas and a cinema room. 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 were caring and kind to people. It was clear bonds had been formed and people told us the staff were kind and listened to them. Relatives spoke highly of the good work the staff team had done to ensure their family members remained well cared for and safe. People were given choices and encouraged to maintain their independence. Staff could describe how to support people and were aware of people's routines. This supported staff to provide personalised care.

People's care plans were regularly reviewed to ensure they reflected people's current needs and met their aspirations. People were encouraged and supported to make suggestions for activities and staff used this feedback to develop meaningful activities and stimulation for people. Staff communicated with people's families as required. A complaints process was in place and the registered manager understood their responsibilities in relation to this.

The registered manager together with the management team had oversight of the service and completed regular audits and walk arounds to monitor and improve the service. Staff felt supported and benefited from guidance, advice and positive teamworking. The management team worked in partnership with other professionals and multi-disciplinary working led to best outcomes for people.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 08/10/2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

We undertook this inspection in response to concerns around the management of COVID-19 and infection prevention and control. We found no concerns during this inspection.

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 until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.