Archived: Bluebell Lodge

576 Harrogate Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 8DP (0113) 237 1133

Provided and run by:
Carmel Lodge Ltd

All Inspections

18 November 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We found the provider had made a number of improvements since the last inspection but had also decided to permanently close the service. When we visited a number of people had already moved out and plans were in place for the remaining 12 people to move in the next two weeks.

We found the provider had improved the care assessment and planning process and in the main, people's needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan.

We spoke with five people who used the service. They were aware the service was closing and said they and their relatives had been involved in planning their move to alternative accommodation. People said they were happy with the care and support they received at Bluebell Lodge. One person said, 'The staff look after us very well. It's very relaxed.' Another person said, "They're a good bunch.'

The provider had introduced some new auditing systems to help make sure people who used the service benefitted from safe quality care. We looked at a number of records which showed regular checks had been carried out. For example, records showed infection control, nutrition and entertainment had been monitored.

We found that people were still not protected against the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medicines. The Commission would have followed this up if the provider had continued to provide a service to people at Bluebell Lodge.

5 August 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We spoke with three people who used the service and a relative. They told us they were satisfied with the care and support provided. People told us they felt safe and they could talk to staff about their care needs. One person said, 'I trust them to look after me and they do.' When asked which areas of care do staff provide well, two people replied, 'All of it.' A relative said, 'They are really good.'

Although people told us they were satisfied with the service, we found the provider needed to improve some aspects of the service. The previous inspection identified the care provider had not complied with some regulations of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. At this inspection we found they had introduced changes and made improvements but the provider was still not compliant in three areas.

The provider had changed some routines so staffing was more effective and, at key times, the manager was spending more time assisting with care and support. We found the provider had not taken proper steps to ensure care and support was planned and delivered in a way that ensured people's safety and welfare. We found appropriate arrangements still had not been made in relation to the safe administration of medication. The provider did not always identify, assess and manage risks to the health and safety and welfare of people who use services and others.

14 March 2013

During an inspection in response to concerns

Bluebell Lodge provided care and supported people with a wide range of needs. Some people who used the service were able to share their views whilst others had complex needs and were not able to tell us their experiences.

During the visit, we spent a significant amount of time observing interactions between staff and people over breakfast and in communal areas in the home.

We spoke with three relatives on the day of our inspection, one relative said, 'Staff are ever so good, polite and contact us when my Dad is not very well', they also said, 'Staff understand his needs and made him a birthday cake last week.' Another relative said, 'They know what he likes, it is clean and hygienic.'

One member of staff said, 'Quality of care is not as good, not enough staff, there are more accidents as there is no staff in the lounge to look after people and there is no manager support.' Another member of staff said, 'There is not enough staff, we are always rushing around, can't stop people falling, need more time with people.'

While people who used the service appeared content with the service we noted a number of shortcomings, with respect to the care and welfare of users of the service, the management of medicines and staffing. On the day of our visit we observed that staff did not have time to make people drinks, people had to wait till staff had time to attend to their needs.

19 April 2012

During a routine inspection

The service cares for and supports people with a wide range of needs. Some people using the service were able to share their views and experiences whilst others had complex needs and were not able to tell us their experiences.

People we spoke with said they were happy with the care they received and staff never rushed them. One person said, 'They are looking after me well.' Another person said, 'Staff help if I want it.'

People we spoke with said they were involved in making decisions about their care. One person said, 'Staff ask me what I want to do and where I want to go.' Another person said, 'They know when I want to go to bed and ask if I'm ready.'

People we spoke with said staff were friendly, polite and treated them with respect. One person said, 'They are patient and very nice.'

Staff told us people received good care and people's needs were met. They said people get good support with their healthcare needs and other professionals were consulted when appropriate. One member of staff said,'I really do think people are well looked after. The team works really well and genuinely care. There are lots of staff who have been here a long time and know the home inside out and there are newer staff who keep things fresh.'

Staff told us the registered manager and care provider had good systems in place to monitor the quality of care and manage risks, and any problems were dealt with promptly.