Oak House & Maple Lodge

Updated 13 April 2022

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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 and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Oak House and Maple Lodge is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and / or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Oak House and Maple Lodge is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. 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

We spoke with seven people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. The Expert by Experience spoke with people remotely by phone. We spoke with seven members of staff including the registered manager, assistant manager, human resource manager, recovery workers and a regular member of agency staff. Recovery workers support people to develop and build on their existing living skills, so people may become more independent and move on to less supported accommodation at the end of their placement.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people's care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We sought feedback from three healthcare professionals who regularly visit the service. We looked at training data, quality assurance records and continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 13 April 2022

About the service

Oak House and Maple Lodge is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 14 people with support needs related to their mental health. At the time of the inspection 13 people were living at the care home. 11 people were living in the main house (Oak House), with two people accommodated in a separate building in the grounds (Maple Lodge). 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 felt safe and told us they were supported by friendly, helpful and qualified staff that knew them well. Comments from people included, “I can always talk to staff; I know they are available”, and, “I do feel safe, just knowing staff are there, they all know what they are doing.”

Risks to people’s health and safety were assessed and people were supported to stay safe. People’s recovery plans were person centred, promoted independence and provided staff with clear guidance on how to support people. People were protected from the risk of abuse by staff who knew how to recognise and report concerns. A staff member told us, “We follow West Sussex Safeguarding policy.”

People received medicines safely and were protected from the spread of infection. Staff adhered to infection prevention and control practices which were in line with government guidance. Staff were recruited safely and felt well supported by the managers. There was a strong emphasis on recovery and equipping people with the skills to live independent lives.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People received a comprehensive assessment before they were admitted to the service which identified their needs, goals and aspirations and whether their needs could be met. People were supported to eat and drink a balanced diet and had access to health services and support.

People told us there were enough staff with appropriate skills and training to meet their needs. We observed warm and positive interactions between people and staff throughout the inspection. People were supported to follow their interests, build friendships and maintain relationships with friends and family. Some people told us how they visited their families, another person said, “During the day I sit with other residents, I go into town, I have my freedom.”

The registered manager encouraged feedback from people, staff and professionals involved in people’s care. Staff worked closely with health professionals and external agencies to promote good outcomes for people. People spoke positively about the registered manager. People told us, “The manager is really good; she is always with us” and, “[Registered manager] is a very chilled, a hands-on manager.”

The service had a positive culture and embraced continuous learning and improving care. The managers had systems and processes in place which provided effective oversight of people's care and support.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was Good (published 06 January 2020).

Why we inspected

This was the first inspection for this newly registered service under a new provider.

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, which will help inform when we next inspect.