Benkhill Lodge

Updated 6 March 2021

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 coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 23 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 6 March 2021

Benkhill Lodge is a residential care home for up to 30 older people. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

A registered manager was 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.

At the time of our inspection 19 people lived at the service permanently and one was receiving short term respite care. Benkhill Lodge has a room reserved for people from the community who need additional support following discharge from hospital or to prevent them from being admitted to hospital. These are known as step up / step down beds. Health professional's work alongside staff to ensure people who require this level of support have their needs met.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

There were systems and processes in place to protect people from the risk of harm. Staff were able to tell us about different types of abuse and were aware of action they should take if abuse was suspected.

There were systems in place for the safe management and administration of medicines. The premises and equipment were well maintained and were regularly checked to ensure they were safe to use.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people's needs. There were safe recruitment and selection procedures in place and appropriate checks had been undertaken before staff began work. Staff received the support and training they needed to give them the necessary skills and knowledge to meet people's assessed needs.

Staff supported people to access healthcare professionals and services. People were provided with sufficient food and drink to maintain their health and wellbeing. Care records contained information about people's needs, preferences, likes and dislikes.

People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff were kind and treated people with dignity and respect. People told us they were happy and felt well cared for. Care was person-centred and people were provided with choice. There were positive interactions between people and staff. Staff knew people well and promoted their independence.

Staff understood people were individuals and protected them from discrimination.

Complaints and feedback were taken seriously and action was taken to address any concerns. The registered manager and provider monitored the quality of service provided to ensure that people received a safe and effective service which met their needs.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.