We carried out a review of the data available to us about Brook Lodge on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Brook Lodge, you can give feedback on this service.
Brook Lodge is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 36 older people who may be living with dementia at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 55 people in two large units.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they felt safe living at the service. Relatives told us they were happy their loved ones lived at the service and felt they were safe and well cared for.
The service was clean and hygienic and personal protective equipment was available following government guidelines. However, we observed some staff were not wearing face masks as required, staff confirmed they understood the requirements to wear face masks. The provider took appropriate action immediately and there is a plan in place to make sure it did not happen again.
Potential risks to people’s health, welfare and safety had been assessed and there was guidance in place to reduce the risk. Accidents and incidents had been recorded and analysed to identify patterns and trends; action had been taken to reduce the risk of them happening again. There were systems in place to protect people from discrimination and abuse.
People’s medicines were managed safely. Staff monitored people’s health and referred people to relevant health professionals. Staff followed the advice given to keep people as healthy as possible.
Staff had been recruited safely and received training appropriate to their role. Staff received supervision to develop their skills and practice.
The management team completed assessments before people moved into the service to check staff could meet their needs. People had care plans detailing their choices and preferences and these had been reviewed.
People were supported to eat a balanced diet; people had a choice of meals. People had access to activities they enjoyed. People were given information in a format they could understand.
People were treated with dignity and respect; they were supported to be as independent as possible. People’s end of life wishes were recorded, staff worked with the GP and district nurse to support people at the end of their life.
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.
The management team completed checks and audits on the quality of the service and acted when shortfalls were found. There was an open and transparent culture within the service. Relatives told us they knew how to complain and were confident action would be taken.
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 the service under the previous provider was requires improvement, (published on 3 July 2019.)
Why we inspected
This was the first inspection under this provider since the service was registered on 10 October 2019.
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.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Brook Lodge on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ There was a visiting area where people could meet their family or friends in a safe way. The room was accessible through an external door, meaning visitors did not have to walk through the service. There was a screen in place to minimise the risk of COVID transmission.
¿ Staff had a cleaning schedule in place which included additional cleaning of areas such as the door bell, handles, phones and hand held devices. This was completed on a regular basis throughout the day and when items had been used.
¿ When people moved into the service they were testd for COVID and supported to isolate in their room. Staff used full personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing support. There was clear signage to ensure people did not enter their room with out the correct PPE.