We carried out a review of the data available to us about Laburnum 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 Laburnum Lodge, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice:
• There was an excellent procedure in place at the reception area, which was clearly communicated to professional visitors. This helped ensure people were aware of the current requirements and helped minimise the spread of any infection.
• The service had developed good relationships with people's family members and kept in regular contact with them to ensure they were fully informed of all current guidance.
• The service had followed guidance well and managed to contain outbreaks and learn lessons to inform any further issues. Staff responded calmly to any potential issues and had gained a better understanding of infection prevention and control.
• Joint working with clinicians had worked well and a mutual respect and acknowledgement of strengths and skills was evident.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
Laburnum Lodge is registered as 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.
This inspection took place on 14 February 2018 and was unannounced. The last inspection was carried out on 17 November 2015 and was rated as ‘Good’.
The service had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. The registered manager and the deputy manager facilitated the inspection.
There were sufficient staff on duty on the day of the inspection. We saw from rotas that the service responded to people's dependency levels to ensure the correct number of staff were deployed on each shift.
The service had a robust recruitment process and the induction programme was comprehensive. Training for staff was on-going.
Safeguarding policies and procedures were followed appropriately and staff were aware of these.
Health and safety measures were in place and equipment was maintained and tested regularly.
The service had an appropriate medicines policy in place. There were good systems in place for and medication procedures were followed by staff. However during the inspection the manager took immediate action to remedy the minor shortfalls we found.
Care plans included a range of health and personal information and were person centred. Appropriate risk assessments were held within the care plans. Staff were aware of how to deal with incidents and accidents.
Nutritional and hydration needs were catered for and mealtimes were relaxed and well managed by the service.
The service was working within the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
We observed interactions between staff and people who used the service and saw that these were friendly and respectful.
The service endeavoured to work in an inclusive way, ensuring equality and diversity for everyone.
There was a range of activities on offer and people were given choices in the course of their daily lives.
Any complaints were dealt with appropriately and responded to. The service had received a number of compliments from people who had used the service and their relatives.
Staff and people who used the service described the management as approachable.
Systems were in place to assess and monitor the quality of service and the care delivered. Audits were undertaken and any issues identified and actioned within a given timescales.
Visiting times were flexible, however friends and relatives were asked try and avoid meal times so people could dine without disruption.
Laburnum Lodge is a purpose built two storey intermediate care facility in the Breightmet area of Bolton. There is car parking at the front of the service and public transport stops immediately outside. The service is owned by Bolton Council and is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The service can accommodate 32 people with one community bed reserved. Laburnum Lodge provides a step down provision, which enables people to make an easier transition from hospital back to home, as a well as a step up provision, to help fragile people avoid admission to hospital. The length of stay at the service depends on the individuals needs and on average it will be six weeks or less. There is no charge for this service. On leaving the service an ongoing support or a care package to assist you at home is discussed and planned as required. The service provides residential rehabilitation seven days a week and day time nursing and therapy support Monday to Friday.
There is a ‘sister’ intermediate unit in Bolton based at Darley Court in the Halliwell area. Darley Court provides 24 hour nursing support as well as therapy based rehabilitation. People who require intermediate care would be assessed and admitted to the unit most appropriate to meet their needs.
This unannounced inspection of Laburnum Lodge was carried out on 17 November 2015. Since our last inspection in August 2013 of Laburnum Lodge the service has changed the criteria for admission. There are no long stay beds providing care for the elderly.
The service had a registered manager in post who was registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Care is provided during the day by an onsite team of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, carers and specialist support staff. There are no nurses on duty during the night or at weekends. The night shift is covered by a senor carer and care staff.
People spoken with were extremely complimentary about the service they were receiving.
Staff had received safeguarding vulnerable adults training and knew what action to take of they suspected or witnessed abuse or poor practice. The service had a robust recruitment and selection process to protect vulnerable people from staff who were unsuitable.
There were sufficient staff available to support people safely and effectively during their stay at Laburnum Lodge. We saw that staff received the essential training to enable them to do their job efficiently.
We saw that risk assessments were in place for the safety of the building. All areas of the home were clean and well maintained. Procedures were in place to prevent and control the spread of infection.
Systems were in place to deal with any emergency that could affect the provision of care, such as a failure of the electricity and gas supply.
People’s care records contained detailed information to guide staff and other professionals involved in the care and rehabilitation people required. The care records showed that risks to people’s health and wellbeing had been identified and plans were in place to eliminate or reduce the risk.
Appropriate arrangements were in place to assess whether people were able to give consent to their care and treatment. Where appropriate family and friends were involved in a person’s post care and future goals and plans were discussed.
We observed that a ‘board round’ meeting took place four days a week with all the teams being involved. This meeting was to discuss any admissions or discharges, people’s health and wellbeing and what input from staff was needed for example a home visit to check the environment was ready for a person when discharged from the service.
A healthy, well balanced and varied diet was provided and dietary needs catered for. People spoken with told us the food was good and they enjoyed their meals.
To help ensure that people received safe and effective care and support, systems were in place to monitor and assess the quality of the service provided. Regular checks were undertaken on all aspects of monitoring the service.
We saw people who used the service were well presented and we observed staff interacting with them in a friendly, polite manner and respecting their dignity and privacy.
We looked at two care records and other information that need to be kept ensuring the home is properly managed.
People who used the service were unable to communicate with us due to the nature of their illness. However we did observe that their body language was favourable when staff approached them and spoke with them.
We saw staff had access to relevant policies and procedures including safeguarding procedures and contact details.
We saw a number of compliment cards from relatives, some comments included: 'Thank you for all your kindness'. Another said, 'Thank you for the love and care you afforded to my X. We will be for ever grateful'.
We were shown the latest satisfaction survey completed by relatives in June 2013. Feedback was positive and comments included: 'We are always kept informed about any changes'. 'The home is always warm and clean' and 'you always get a warm and friendly welcome'.
'I like the food, it's very good'.
A visiting health care worker told us, 'I have never encountered any problems. The staff are always helpful and kind, they care for people really well and peoples dignity and privacy is always respected'.
People who use the service all had a diagnosis of dementia; therefore it was difficult for them to engage in conversation. However we observed that people reacted well with staff when they approached them and no one appeared distressed or unhappy.
Staff told us:
'I love working here'.
'All the staff are really nice'.
'The manager is really supportive and approachable'.
We were shown the results of a satisfaction questionnaire from April 2012. Relatives comments were positive and included:
'When I visit everything is satisfactory'.
'We are always given explanations of how and why things are done'.
'A very pleasant place and very caring staff'.
'I think you guys are the best, keep up your good work'.