All inspections: White Lodge - Care Quality Commission

This visit was a follow up to an inspection made by a colleague on the 10th December 2013. At that time we made a compliance action which related to the environment. This meant we considered people who used the service were at potential risk because of unsafe or unsuitable premises.

A compliance action meant the provider was non-compliant with the law. We required the provider to produce a report setting out how and when they would become compliant, which they did, and we visited again on the 4th February 2014. Following our visit to the service we considered they had done enough to comply with the law and have therefore removed the compliance action.

We would advise the reader to look at the much fuller report produced for the inspection carried out on the 10th December 2013.

We spoke with the therapy manager/quality lead for Sussex Health Care, registered manager and three staff members. We spoke with three people using services who because of their disabilities had difficulty in communicating with us. We observed people's behaviour and how staff engaged with them. On the day of inspection we did not see any family members attend.

One person said the staff are 'kind,' another person said they are 'nice.' The person explained that staff 'talk to me about the day centre.'

People told us about activities which they enjoy including shopping and listening to music. Staff told us some people went to day centres. We observed people playing games and colouring pictures. We heard staff supporting them in their activities.

People received the care and support that met their needs. Staff we spoke with were able to identify and respond to any potential safeguarding concerns. People were not protected against the risk of unsafe or unsuitable premises, as suitable arrangements were not in place to manage required repairs. We saw that there were enough staff who respected people and involved them in making decisions. We found that there was adequate information about making a complaint.

When we visited, some people had been out for the day and others were doing various things at home, supported by staff. We spoke to the registered manager, the deputy manager and two care staff as well as spending time with the people who used the service who had learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder or mental health needs. Due to their disabilities, we could not speak in depth to the people who used the service but we observed them at the home and spent time with them individually and as a group. We also spoke to a relative who was visiting the home. The feed back we got from the relative and the people who use the service was positive and everyone seemed relaxed and happy. The relative said that 'it's a very good place' and that they 'visit whenever they want'. They also said they were involved in care planning.

We reviewed care plans, policies and procedures and arrangements for supporting staff. Staff were very positive about the service and the support and training they received. One member of staff told us that he had been working with the people for 20 years; since the service opened. They said they would not work there if it was not a good service.

The provider had a number of systems in place for monitoring the quality of the service and also provided comprehensive induction and training for staff.

Eight people were living at White Lodge at the time of our visit. We found that people had complex needs and many had limited verbal communication skills. The service had taken steps to support them to make appropriate choices about their care and social support needs.

We were shown some of the rooms of people who live at the service. Some rooms had been individually decorated, with personal photographs on display, although staff told us this was due to personal preference. One person told us they were happy with their room.

People who use the service had planned activities throughout the week. One person told us about their interests, whilst other people were at day centres and enjoyed a wide variety of activities. These included going to the shops, eating out, trampolining, bike riding, and going to Monday evening club. The home also has a regular Wednesday session for all people living at the home with a visiting music therapist.

We spoke to some people and they indicated they were happy at White Lodge and positive about the staff.

Archived: White Lodge

All Inspections

4 February 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

10 December 2013

During a routine inspection

6 March 2013

During a routine inspection

18 January 2012

During a routine inspection