Archived: Wood Hill Lodge

Updated 21 April 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.’

This inspection took place on 7 and 20 February 2017 and was unannounced on both days. The inspection was carried out by two adult social care inspectors and an expert by experience on the first day and one adult social care inspector on the second day. An expert-by-experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. The expert by experience who attended the inspection had experience of caring for people with complex and multiple disabilities including learning disabilities.

We did not request a provider information return (PIR) on this occasion. This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We sought feedback from stakeholders who commissioned services prior to our inspection.

During the inspection we spoke with the Managing Director, the Registered Manager, Clinical Services Manager, Clinical Lead, Unit Manager, one nurse, the cook and four members of care staff. We also spoke with three people who were accessing the service, and four relatives of people who accessed the service. Throughout the inspection we observed the care and support which was taking place.

We reviewed a variety of records including the care records for five people, staff files for three staff, maintenance and safety certificates for the building, daily care records, auditing records and medication administration records along with the policies and procedures which were in place.

Updated 21 April 2017

The inspection took place 7 and 20 February 2017; this was the first inspection of this home as it was a new service which opened 19 December 2016.

Wood Hill Lodge is a purpose built 99 bedded home, which was only operating Derwent Unit, which is a12 bedded provision offering respite and short stay care for people with multiple and complex disabilities which included both physical and learning disabilities.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of the inspection. 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 inspection was brought forward in relation to whistle blowing concerns which had been received. This meant the service had been operating for a very short period at the time of this inspection taking place. We did not find evidence to substantiate the concerns which were raised in the whistle blow concerns.

Staff had undertaken training and was able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of their role and responsibilities in keeping people safe from harm.

Risk assessments were in place for people who used the service, which identified specific risk and the measures needed to minimise those risks.

Medicines were managed safely.

Recruitment processes were followed and all appropriate pre-employment checks carried out to ensure staff were of good character and suitable to work with vulnerable adults.

Staff had undertaken an induction when first starting to work for the service and received adequate training to undertake and support their roles. Staff received a good level of support from the management team.

The service was working within the guidelines of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and was found not to be depriving people of their liberty unlawfully.

People had access to a choice of food and drinks and enjoyed the food they were offered which was of good quality.

Staff were kind, caring, patient and sympathetic when supporting people. Staff maintained people’s privacy and dignity. People were encouraged to be independent and develop their skills and capabilities.

Care plans were person centred and detailed. Information was organised and accessible. There was clear evidence of reviews taking place and additional information being added to care plans.

Complaints were recorded and dealt with in line with the organisations policy.

There was clear leadership and guidance. Staff of all levels felt well supported and able to carry out their roles.

There were processes in place to gather and analyse information to monitor the quality and safety of the service.