Archived: Skell Lodge

Updated 31 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 17 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 31 March 2021

We inspected Skell Lodge on 3 January 2019. The inspection was announced. When we last inspected the service in May 2016 we found the provider was meeting the legal requirements in the areas that we looked at and rated the service as 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.

Skell 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.

Skell Lodge is a large, detached house situated in a quiet residential area, within walking distance of Ripon city centre. The service is registered to accommodate a maximum number of 23 older people. At the time of the inspection there were 18 people who used the service.

Although the overall rating for the service was good we found there were insufficient staff on duty at times to meet the needs of people who used the service and this had placed people at potential risk of harm. We informed the registered manager about our concerns with staffing levels who told us they would speak with senior management. After the inspection the registered manager spoke with the regional director and changes were made to increase staffing numbers. However, although staffing levels were increased following our inspection, the provider had not done this previously of their own accord.

Staff understood the procedure they needed to follow if they suspected abuse might be taking place. Risks to people were identified and plans were put in place to help manage the risk and minimise them occurring.

Medicines were managed safely with an effective system in place. Staff competencies around administering medicines were regularly checked.

The home was clean and tidy and communal areas were well maintained. Appropriate personal protective equipment and hand washing facilities were available. Checks of the building and maintenance systems were undertaken to ensure health and safety was maintained.

We found that safe recruitment and selection procedures were in place and appropriate checks had been undertaken before staff began work. People were supported by a team of staff who were knowledgeable about people’s likes, dislikes and preferences. A training plan was in place.

People were 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 supported people to maintain a healthy and nutritional diet. People were supported by staff to maintain their health and attend routine health care appointments.

Staff were kind and caring. A health professional told us end of life care was exceptional and people were treated with dignity and compassion. Care plans detailed people’s needs and preferences. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they contained up to date information that was meeting people’s care needs. People had access to a range of activities. The service had a clear process for handling complaints.

Staff told us they enjoyed working at the service and felt supported by the registered manager. Quality assurance processes were in place and regularly carried out by the registered manager, senior staff and the provider, to monitor and improve the quality of the service. Feedback was sought from people who used the service through meetings and surveys. This information was analysed and action plans produced when needed.