Archived: Benham Lodge

We undertook this targeted inspection to check infection control and prevention measures in place at the

service. The overall rating for the service has not changed following this targeted inspection and remains Good.

About the service

Benham Lodge provides care and accommodation for up to nine adults with a learning disability. There were eight people living at the service at the time of our inspection, including people with physical health needs.

We found the following examples of good practice.

People had been given information, in a way they could understand, to help them understand the changes which had occurred due to the pandemic. Changes included staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, aprons and gloves and the importance of social distancing and isolating in their rooms when necessary.

We observed staff using PPE appropriately. There were fully equipped PPE 'stations' around the service to ensure PPE was available to staff when needed.

The service was clean and staff carried out more frequent cleaning on areas that were frequently touched, such as door handles.

The registered manager kept relatives up to date with people’s well-being, including visiting arrangements via regular phone calls.

The service was engaged in the national testing programme for staff and people who lived at the service.

The registered manager was following advice and guidance from other agencies about infection control and

prevention and had updated staff training and practice accordingly.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

Benham Lodge provides care and accommodation to up to nine adults with a learning disability. There were eight people living at the service at the time of our inspection, including people with physical health needs.

The service had changed providers and this was our first rated inspection to the service since it had registered with us in September 2016.

The service was run by a registered manager who was present on the day of our visit. 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.

Staff had been trained to recognise and respond to the signs of abuse. They were confident they could raise any concerns with the registered manager or outside agencies if this was needed.

There were enough staff with the skills required to meet people's needs. Staff were recruited using procedures designed to protect people from the employment of unsuitable staff. They were deployed in sufficient numbers to meet people’s physical, social and emotional needs.

Assessments of risk were undertaken of the environment and each person’s specific needs and gave guidance to staff about how these risks could be minimised. There were systems in place to review accidents and incidents and make any relevant improvements as a result.

Medicines were managed, stored, disposed of and administered safely. People received their medicines when they needed them and as prescribed.

Staff had received training in infection control and followed this guidance to help minimise the spread of any infection.

Staff had received the training necessary for their roles and were supported through supervision and on-going appraisals.

CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). DoLS applications had been made to ensure that people were only deprived of their liberty, when it had been assessed as lawful to do so.

People had their health and dietary needs assessed and clear guidance was in place to ensure they were effectively monitored.

People were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment. They had the opportunity to take part in activities which they enjoyed and to go out.

Staff respected and valued people’s contributions. They communicated with people in a kind and caring manner and reassured people when they became anxious.

People’s feedback about the service was gained through regular meetings, conversations and surveys. Information was available to their relatives and visitors about how to raise a concern or complaint.

The registered manager was approachable and the atmosphere in the service was relaxed and informal. Relatives and professionals said there had been improvements to the service since they had been in post. They were supported by a staff team who understood the aims of the service.

Systems were in place to review the quality of the service which were effective in identifying areas where any improvements were required.