Oak Lodge

Updated 2 October 2020

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.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

This inspection took place on 21 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 2 October 2020

About the service

Oak Lodge is a residential nursing home providing nursing and personal care to up to 60 people in a specially adapted set of connected buildings.

There are 60 bedrooms spread between three defined areas of the home, all with private toilet and sinks with shared showers and bathrooms. There are shared living areas, dining room, kitchenettes and a large kitchen.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People received high quality care which supported them to have an outstanding quality of life and maintain their health and wellbeing as long as possible. People’s freedom and happiness was valued by staff most highly and support was personalised to meet and exceed people’s expectations.

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; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff were proactive and confident to minimise restrictions and give people freedom.

The home had a calm, friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere which was reflected by staff at all levels. Staff were exceptionally kind, compassionate and patient in their approach. People’s individuality and dignity was held in high regard at all times which meant people received an extraordinarily caring service.

The home was outstandingly well-led with a leadership culture of inclusivity and empowerment to staff and people. People, their relatives, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders consistently fed back how the high quality of leadership in the home promoted continuous improvement and consistently high standards.

There were a wide range of activities in and out of the home and staff were particularly skilled at encouraging people to participate and to minimise social isolation. The home was safe and ensured people’s needs were met in a way which was highly personalised and reflected their culture and personal backgrounds. People and their relatives felt particularly engaged and involved. The home had very good links with the local and wider community.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was outstanding (published 14 March 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.