Updated 13 January 2021
The inspection
This was a targeted inspection to check on specific concerns we had received about risk management, keeping people safe; staffing and recruitment, medicines administration and the management of the service.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
Alphington Lodge is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager who was in the process of registering with the Care Quality Commission.
Notice of inspection
We gave a short period notice of the inspection so we could arrange infection control measures because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
Due to infection control measures we were unable to speak face to face with people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We briefly observed the support being provided during an activity in the communal area of the home. We spoke with the area manager and manager.
We reviewed a range of records. This included six people’s care records and a sample of medication records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision.
After the inspection
Following the inspection visit and in order to minimise the time spent on site due to the pandemic, we spoke with five relatives by telephone. We emailed and telephoned the staff team to request feedback and received a response from just two members of staff. We received feedback from three health and social care professionals.
As part of the inspection, we requested and received copies of documentation connected to the running of the service and people’s welfare. This included quality assurance records, training data, care plans, staff rotas, accident and incident records and the minutes of staff and residents meetings.
Following the inspection, we provided written feedback and met virtually with the provider and manager.