Background to this inspection
Updated
23 November 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
This inspection was carried out by 1 inspector, a specialist advisor who was a nurse, 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
Pathfields 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. Pathfields Lodge is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Registered Manager
This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced and took place on 25 October 2022.
What we did before the 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 (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
During the inspection we spoke with 7 people who used the service, and 1 relative of a person who used the service. We also spoke with 5 staff members, the chef, the deputy manager, and the registered manager.
Updated
23 November 2022
About the service
Pathfields Lodge is a residential care home providing the regulated activity personal and nursing care to up to 48 people. The service predominantly provides support to older people, some of whom live with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 25 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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; however, not everyone using the service had a comprehensive and up to date assessment of their capacity. A programme was underway to ensure that all people had an up to date capacity assessment.
People were supported in a safe way by staff who were trained to do their role, and recruited safely. There were enough staff on site to ensure people’s needs were promptly met.
Medicines were administered accurately by staff who were trained to do so. Areas of the service that were in use were largely clean and tidy. Some areas of the building were not fully in use, and required refurbishment. A plan to do this was in place.
People’s needs were assessed and identified. This included support needs with food and fluid intake, skincare, and any healthcare requirements. Records showed people received the support they required.
Staff were kind and caring in their approach, and respected privacy and dignity. People told us they were given the time they needed to express themselves. Staff knew people’s individual needs, likes, and preferences.
A complaints procedure was in place and people knew how to use it. There was no end of life care being delivered at the time of inspection, but people had plans in place as required.
Staff felt well supervised and supported by the management team. Staff told us morale was good, and they enjoyed working at the service. Audits and checks took place to ensure any issues were found and acted upon.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was requires improvement, published on 9 June 2021.
Why we inspected
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.
The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about staffing levels and documentation. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection under the old provider, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Pathfields Lodge on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.