We carried out a review of the data available to us about New Lodge on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about New Lodge, you can give feedback on this service.
New Lodge is a residential care home providing personal care to 24 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 45 people who may be living with dementia or a mental illness.
The service also provides care support to fourteen people who live independently in their own flats which are situated on the same site. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were supported to remain safe. Staff knew how to report allegations and concerns of abuse and understood their roles clearly and what was expected of them. People’s medicines were managed safely. We found minor infection control issues that were addressed during the inspection. We have made a recommendation about this.
Care plans and risk assessments for people’s oral hygiene needs were not in place. We have made a recommendation about this. People’s nutritional requirements were supported by an award-winning chef. Staff received a thorough induction and completed regular training to support people’s care needs.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were supported by kind and caring staff. Staff developed positive relationships with people through meaningful conversations and spending time with them to find out their diverse needs.
People received person-centred, responsive care. Care plans and risk assessment were detailed and provided staff with information to maintain people’s quality of life.
There was a programme of activities to meet people’s varying interests, however consideration needs to be given as to how activities can be provided when the activity co-ordinator is not available.
End of life care wishes were explored and recorded. Complaints were dealt with appropriately.
The registered manager was passionate and enthusiastic about promoting a person-centred service. They had a clear improvement plan in place to monitor quality and make improvements. The culture of the service was positive, and staff felt fully supported by the management team. Feedback from people and relatives was positive.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 17 January 2020 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection as a newly registered service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
We found the following examples of good practice:
• The service was a new, purpose-built home and the design and layout were conducive to enabling effective infection prevention and control practices. For instance, washable flooring and spacious rooms to allow for social distancing. The home was very clean.
• Staff used personal protective equipment appropriately and were knowledgeable about infection control procedures. The provider monitored practice and competence in this area.
• Policies in relation to COVID-19 were comprehensive and regularly reviewed to reflect best practice.
• There were robust visiting arrangements in place, including a bookings system, screening questionnaires, rapid lateral flow testing and use of personal protective equipment.
• The provider had taken action to support staff well-being throughout the pandemic.