Benjamin Lodge

Updated 8 February 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 18 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 8 February 2022

Benjamin Lodge is a 'care 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.

The home is registered to provide care to a maximum of 17 people who require support with mental health needs. It is situated in a residential area of Cottingham, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and is within walking distance of local amenities. 16 people were living at the home during this inspection.

The inspection took place on the 13 August 2018 and was unannounced. At our last comprehensive rated inspection in January and February 2016 we rated the service good. We then conducted a focussed inspection in April 2017, looking at the key questions 'Is the service safe?' and 'Is the service responsive?' only. This was because we had received concerns in relation to staffing levels and recruitment, and how the service was meeting the needs of people who use the service. We did not change the rating for the service at that inspection.

At this comprehensive inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing 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.

The service had a manager in post as required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as a condition of their registration. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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. During the inspection we found the registered manager to be open, transparent and receptive to the feedback provided.

Notifications relating to potential safeguarding incidents had not always been made to the CQC as required by law.

Systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse as staff were trained to understand the signs of abuse and take action if they had concerns. Care plans and risk assessments were in place. People's medicines were managed safely, and staff were safely recruited and in sufficient numbers to provide people with the level of care and support they required. The premises were maintained safely and provided sufficient space for people to occupy themselves alone, or in the company of others.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. Policies and systems supported this practice. People's health and well-being needs were reflected in their care plans. Staff supported people to attend routine and follow up appointments and liaised with external healthcare professionals as required. People were supported to ensure that they had enough to eat and drink. There was a choice of food available and people spoke positively to us about the food.

People told us staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect. We saw staff supported people both emotionally and practically, in a kind and compassionate manner. People were involved in how their care and support was received.

Staff took account of people's preferences and offered choices. Staff knew people well, including their background and history. Activities were supported and people were encouraged to maintain contact with their friends and relatives. People said staff listened to them and they felt confident to raise any issues if they felt they needed to.

Leadership was visible within the service and the registered manager received support from the provider and a director of the organisation. Governance systems were in place to gather feedback and check the quality of the service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.