Background to this inspection
Updated
8 September 2023
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
One inspector carried out this inspection.
Service and service type
Ashlea 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. Ashlea Lodge is a care home with 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 inspection
The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke to the registered manager, the nominated individual, 3 relatives and 3 members of staff. We reviewed a range of records. This included 4 people's complete care records and medication records. We looked at 3 staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision as well as staff feedback forms. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were also reviewed.
Updated
8 September 2023
About the service
Ashlea Lodge is a care home that provides nursing and personal care to a maximum of 37 older people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of inspection there were 35 people who were using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People and their relatives were very positive about the care provided. People told us they felt safe and staff had the skills to support them. Relatives provided positive examples of how staff had helped improve people’s lives since moving to the home.
Staff were safely recruited and received an induction followed by training from the provider. Training was monitored and staff were supported with regular meetings and supervisions. There was enough competent staff to meet service user needs.
People and relatives were involved in every stage of care planning. Systems and records were in place to ensure people received person-centred, safe care.
The registered manager had an effective quality assurance system in place. Regular audits and checks werecompleted. These were used to identify relevant action and lessons learnt. People, relatives, staff and professionals were offered opportunities to provide feedback about the care provided at the home.
All staff ensured people living in the service were happy with the environment and found ways to promote their independence; their passions and interests maintained wherever possible.
The service was following safe infection prevention and control procedures to keep people safe
Medicines were managed safely. Risks to people were assessed and action taken to reduce the chances of them occurring. The registered manager acted on feedback immediately. People were safeguarded from abuse.
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.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (6 April 2018).
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 until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.