Whyke Lodge

Updated 30 June 2022

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Whyke Lodge is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Whyke Lodge is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

At the time of our inspection there were two managers registered with CQC.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

Inspection activity started on 14 April 2022 and ended on 20 April 2022. We visited the location’s service on 14 April 2022 and 19 April 2022.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We contacted Healthwatch, Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with three people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with nine members of staff including both registered managers, deputy managers, care workers, kitchen staff and the administrator. We spoke with 10 relatives or visitors of people who use the service. We spoke with one healthcare professional and one social care professional who have contact with the service.

We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service were reviewed including quality assurance processes, policies and procedures.

Updated 30 June 2022

About the service

Whyke Lodge is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 23 people. The service provides support to older people and people living with dementia. At the time of our inspection care was being provided for 15 people in one adapted building.

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

People were not always protected from environmental risks. The provider had not always completed and updated risk assessments in a timely way to protect people and staff. Quality assurance systems were not in place to analyse patterns of incidents and accidents for staff to continually learn from to improve care.

People did not always experience person-centred and dignified care when at the end of their lives. Some people who were at the end of their lives shared rooms with others and when receiving care, they could not be assured of other people knowing about the support they were receiving and that the care they received would be in accordance to their wishes.

People’s capacity were not always assessed for decisions such as whether to share bedrooms with others. People were not supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did not support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service did not support this practice.

People told us they felt safe and were comfortable to speak with staff or management if they had any concerns. Staff received safeguarding training and were knowledgeable on the prevention and reporting of abuse. People were supported safely with their medicines by staff who were trained to assist them. Staff followed good infection control practices to help protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic. Risks to people’s health were assessed and managed, care plans guided staff to support people in a safe way.

People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff followed a training programme relevant to their role. Staff sought people’s consent before assisting them, when people declined support, staff respected their wishes. People’s nutritional and hydration needs were monitored and met. People enjoyed the food, one relative told us, “[Person] has always eaten well there. They are quite happy with what they get.” People were supported to access healthcare services when needed and staff worked with professionals to provide good outcomes for people.

People were cared for by consistent and kind staff who promoted their independence where possible. People and their relatives spoke highly of the care staff. Comments included, “Long term staff seem to stay, they seem happy and friendly. They know about my relative.” And, “I think the staff care are first rate, patient and loving.”

The registered managers sought feedback from people, their relatives and staff. Staff told us they felt comfortable to make comments and suggestions. We received positive comments regarding the running of the service. One staff member told us, “They are very organised. Their paperwork is great.”

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good (published on 1 March 2019.)

Why we inspected

This is the first inspection for this newly registered service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Enforcement and recommendations

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.

We have identified breaches in relation to capacity and consent, person-centred care and good governance at this inspection.

We have made a recommendation in relation to the premises.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.