We carried out a review of the data available to us about Northcourt Lodge Nursing Home on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Northcourt Lodge Nursing Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
People had been supported to keep in touch with their families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff provided support where necessary so people could phone or video call their families. The provider was allowing outside visits from family and friends and the expectations and procedures for visitors to the service were clear. This process was being updated from the 8 March 2021 and the provider was implementing changes to ensure visits were safe for the residents, staff and friends and families.
Northcourt Lodge had received very few professional visitors to the home, however we saw robust infection control procedures in place. Visitors were received into the reception area on arrival where they were provided with guidance, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health screening was completed. Each visitor also had their temperature checked by staff on arrival.
The registered manager ensured they were up to date with the latest guidance and practice for infection prevention and control. They had developed policies and procedures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance and information for staff was clear with detailed safe systems of work for the home. Daily cleaning checks and regular infection prevention and control audits were seen. At the time of the inspection, we had no concerns about the level of cleanliness in the home.
There were mechanisms in place to support staff, risk assessments had been completed with people who use the service and who were identified as facing higher risks. Staff were regularly tested for COVID-19 and had received their first COVID-19 vaccinations in January 2021.
People were supported in a person-centred way, when implementing the changes and procedures required to minimise the risk of COVID 19 in the home. We heard of examples of how people had been supported with real compassion and understanding.
Northcourt Lodge Nursing Home is a care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 22 older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. The home is located in a residential street and accommodation is spread over two floors. At the time of this inspection there were 19 people living at the service.
People’s experience of using this service
People were protected from the risks of abuse and felt safe living at the service. Risks to people’s personal safety had been assessed and plans were in place to minimise those risks. Staff recruitment and staffing levels supported people to stay safe while going about their daily lives.
People received effective care and support from staff who knew them well and were well trained. We have made a recommendation related to reviewing the ongoing staff training at the service.
Medicines were handled correctly and safely and people received effective health care and support. People's rights to make their own decisions were protected. They 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.
People were treated with care and kindness. They were consulted about their care and support and could change how things were done if they wanted to. People were treated with respect and their dignity was upheld. This was confirmed by a relative who provided feedback. People's diverse needs were identified and met and their right to confidentiality was protected.
People received care and support that was personalised to meet their individual needs. Staff worked well together for the benefit of people and were focused on the needs of people living at the service.
People benefitted from staff who were happy in their work and felt well managed and supported. They benefitted from a service which had an open and inclusive culture and encouraged suggestions and ideas for improvement from people who use the service, their relatives and staff.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
On 20 June 2018 the service registered under a new provider. Although there were no changes to the staff or management of the service, the change in legal ownership counted as a new registration. That means this was the first inspection of the service since registering with the new provider. Under the old provider, the service was last inspected on 6 September 2017 and was rated as Good.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the date the service registered under the new provider.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.