Wessex Lodge Nursing Home

Updated 18 August 2025

Date of assessment: 27 August 2025 to 12 September 2025. This assessment was carried out in response to information of concern we received about the service relating to safe care and treatment, staffing and governance. Wessex Lodge Nursing Home isa nursing home for up to 40 adults. At the time of our assessment 38 people were using the service. We assessed all 33 quality statements related to the 5 key questions, Is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

We found a breach of regulation in relation to good governance. We found concerns in relation to the robustness of the governance systems and records. Quality monitoring systems and records needed to be strengthened to ensure any shortfalls would be identified promptly going forward. You can find more details of our concerns in the quality statement findings.

Records were not consistently well-managed across key areas. Risk assessments and medicines records did not always contain sufficient detail to guide staff and ensure safe support. Documentation in relation to mental capacity and consent was inconsistent, with some records failing to show that people were involved in decisions about their care or that the legal processes under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 had been consistently followed. Some employment records also had gaps, including missing pre-employment checks and incomplete work histories.

Staff told us they felt supported by the manager and were provided with supervisions. People were supported to have choice and control and were involved in planning their care. There was a varied programme of group and one-to-one activities in place to support people’s wellbeing and engagement. Staff were kind and caring and had a good understanding of how to meet people’s needs. There was a system in place to allow people to express any concerns or complaints they may have.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

Updated 18 August 2025

Feedback from people and relatives about the service was mixed. Some people felt there were enough staff available and described receiving timely support, saying they could always find someone to help. Others raised concerns about staffing levels, particularly during weekends and evenings, noting that staff appeared stretched and less visible during these times.

Relatives echoed these concerns, with several commenting on staff turnover and the impact on continuity of care. While some praised the staff’s dedication and presence across different floors, others described occasions when staff were difficult to locate or appeared rushed, especially during busy periods.

Despite these concerns, people generally felt staff were kind, responsive, and respectful. Many said they understood their care and were able to express their preferences, which staff acted upon.

People and relatives mostly said they were happy with the home and would recommend it to others. Many described the care as exceptional, praising staff for being kind, responsive, and treating individuals with dignity and respect. Comments highlighted the warm relationships between staff and residents, with 1 relative noting, “Staff have a great sense of humour and have lovely relationships with all the residents.”

There was strong appreciation for the home’s atmosphere and environment, described as “nicely set up, nice bright airy rooms,” and for the manager’s visibility and responsiveness, “Manager always there and listens and gets back to you.”

People spoke positively about activities and events, including seasonal celebrations like Christmas dinner and summer barbecues, which families described as “memories much appreciated.” While some people chose not to participate in activities, others enjoyed a range of options such as cooking, crafts, and singing. Activity staff were described as engaging and respectful of personal choice.

Food was consistently praised, with comments such as “The food is very good; I’ve not had a bad meal here,” and “Good choice of meals and puddings.” People also expressed feeling safe and supported, with one person saying, “I know she is safe.”

Overall, the feedback reflected people felt valued, supported, and involved in their care.