Updated 22 April 2024
Earlfield Lodge is a care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care. This assessment commenced on 22 April 2024. The assessment included a visit to the service by 3 inspectors and an Expert by Experience on 30 April and 2 May 2024. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. This assessment was prompted due to concerns which were shared with us by the local authority. The service was in an organisational safeguarding process, with the local authority quality assurance team supporting the service. An embargo was in place and no admissions were being accepted. In the assessment, we looked at 8 quality statements; Safeguarding; Involving people to manage risks; Safe and effective staffing; Safe environment; Person-centred care; Assessing needs; Good governance and Learning, improvement and innovation. We identified 5 breaches of the legal regulations. Risks to people did not reflect people’s needs. Staff were not always recruited safely, as the appropriate checks were not carried out. The environment was in need of further improvement and some areas of the home remained outdated. Risks to people within the environment had not been minimised. Although people told us they received good care, improvements were needed to ensure care plans and records were person centred. Systems and audits required further improvements and needed to be embedded. The CQC has taken enforcement action against the provider. We have asked the provider for an action plan.