Updated 17 September 2025
Date of Assessment: 25 February to 13 March 2026. Northview Lodge is a nursing home that provides care and support for up to 45 people who have mental health needs, brain injuries and long‑term conditions. Northview Lodge provides both rehabilitation services and long-term care. At the time of inspection, 41 people were using the service.
Since the last inspection there has been 3 changes of registered manager. We completed this inspection as part of our routine programme, and because of the length of time since the last full inspection was completed.
Northview Lodge was well‑led. Leaders promoted an open, inclusive culture based on dignity, equality and human rights. Staff confidently raised ideas and concerns, and managers acted on feedback. Staff morale was high. They described feeling valued, listened to and proud of their work. They reported strong support from the managers, effective teamwork, and a culture where learning from incidents was open and constructive. Professionals echoed this, describing the service as collaborative, flexible and person‑centred. Governance systems were robust and supported continuous improvement.
People, relatives and professionals described the home as welcoming, communicative and well‑organised. Staff at all levels consistently demonstrated a person‑centred approach and worked collaboratively to support people’s health, wellbeing and independence. People told us they felt safe, and professionals consistently reported that staff knew residents well, communicated proactively and were responsive to changes in need.
Care was effective and based on detailed assessments. Care plans were detailed and person‑centred. Mental capacity assessments and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications were completed where necessary, and staff understood the Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act. Staff involved people and relatives in decisions and followed mental capacity guidance appropriately. Relatives felt involved and listened to, and there was an open approach to managing complaints and feedback.
Feedback from people and relatives highlighted meaningful activities, good engagement, and improved quality of life for people who had previously struggled in restrictive or inpatient settings. Staff were proactive in adapting activities to individuals’ needs and interests, including therapy animals, music sessions, and trips in the community.
Medicines were managed safely, and staff understood their responsibilities. Staff understood safeguarding, acted quickly on concerns, and used risk assessments effectively. The environment was clean and well‑maintained, though some areas required refurbishment, including replacing dated baths, floor coverings and signage. These issues had already been incorporated into a refurbishment plan.
We observed kind, compassionate interactions. People told us staff were caring and patient. Staff adapted communication to ensure people could understand, and they encouraged people to be independent and express choice. Staff treated people with the upmost empathy and compassion and spoke with fondness about the people they supported. Relatives described staff as caring and attentive, and we observed warm, patient interactions throughout the home. Many staff described significant emotional investment and personal pride in people’s achievements and progress.
The leadership team had strong oversight and had built a positive culture of continuous improvement. People, relatives, staff and professionals were consistent in their feedback that Northview Lodge supported people well, promoted independence and delivered meaningful, life‑enhancing care.