Archived: Cripps Lodge

At our last inspection, we rated the service ‘Good.’ At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of ‘Good’ and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

People continued to receive safe care. Staff received safeguarding training so they knew how to recognise the signs of abuse and how to report any concerns. Risk management plans were in place to protect and promote people's safety.

There were enough staff deployed to keep people safe. Recruitment practices ensured staff were suitable to work with people.

Staff received comprehensive induction training when they first commenced work at the service. On-going refresher training ensured staff were able to provide care and support for people following current practice. Staff supervision systems ensured that staff received regular one to one supervision and appraisal of their performance.

Staff supported people to access health care services when required, to make sure people received appropriate healthcare to meet their needs. People received support to eat and drink sufficient amounts to maintain a varied and balanced diet.

Where the provider supported people to take their medicines staff followed best practice guidelines. Staff followed infection control procedures to reduce the risks of spreading infection or illness.

People were encouraged to be involved in decisions about their care and support. Staff demonstrated their understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 (MCA) and they gained people's consent before providing care.

People had their diverse needs assessed, they had positive relationships with staff and received care that met their personal preferences. Staff consistently provided people with care in a respectful compassionate way. People had their privacy, dignity and confidentiality maintained at all times.

The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service and had a process in place which ensured people could raise any complaints or concerns.

The service notified the Care Quality Commission of certain events and incidents, as required.

People told us they were well cared for by the service, one person said 'I am very well looked after, I have no concerns at all, the staff are just like family to me' and another person said 'The staff are very kind and I feel safe in their care'.

Some of the people we spoke with told us they were supported to take their medication. One of the relatives told us 'I usually order my relative's medication and hand it over so that the staff can ensure that it has been taken, the system works well'.

All of the people we spoke with told us the staff had enough time allocated to be able to meet their needs; that the staff were nice to them and treated them with kindness. One person said 'They're very, very good' other comments included 'We're comfortable with the carers and share a laugh and a joke'; "The carers are lovely', and 'The staff are very considerate'. Both relatives told us that their family members were safe and well cared for by Cripps Lodge staff.