Little Heath Lodge

Updated 22 March 2022

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 23 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 2 days’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 22 March 2022

This unannounced comprehensive inspection took place on 9 March 2018.

Little Heath Lodge provides accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care for up to five adults with mental health needs. At the time of our inspection there were three people living at the 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.

At our last inspection of this service on 4 February 2016 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good. The home demonstrated they continued to meet the regulations and fundamental standards.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service knew how to keep people safe. The service had clear procedures to recognise and respond to abuse. The registered manager and staff completed safeguarding training. Staff completed risk assessments for every person who used the service with detailed guidance to reduce risks. The service had a system to manage accidents and incidents to reduce reoccurrence.

The service had enough staff to support people. The service carried out satisfactory background checks of staff before they started working. Staff supported people so they took their medicine safely. The service had arrangements to deal with emergencies and staff were aware of the provider’s infection control procedures and they maintained the premises safely.

The service provided induction and training to staff to help them undertake their role. The service supported staff through supervision and appraisal.

People’s consent was sought before care was provided. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

Staff supported people to eat and drink sufficient amounts to meet their needs. Staff supported people to access healthcare services they required.

Staff considered people’s personal choices, general wellbeing and activities. Staff supported people to make day to day life choices and maintain relationships with their family. Staff supported people in a way which was kind, caring and respectful. Staff protected people’s privacy and dignity.

Staff prepared care plans for every person that were tailored to meet their individual needs. Staff reviewed and updated people’s care plans to reflect their current needs.

The service had a clear policy and procedure about managing complaints. People knew how to complain.

The service sought the views of people. Staff felt supported by the registered manager. The provider had an effective system to assess and monitor the quality of the care people received. The service used the audits to learn how to improve and what action to take. The service worked effectively in partnership with health and social care professionals and commissioners.