Barton Lodge

Updated 12 September 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 25 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 12 September 2020

Barton Lodge is a care home which offers accommodation and personal care for up to 48 people, including those who are living with dementia. The accommodation is set over two floors with a main staircase and a lift to the upper floor. The home has a choice of several communal lounges which are bright and airy and nicely furnished. The main lounge and front bedrooms have views over the sea to the Isle of Wight. The home is set in beautiful landscaped gardens which are secured by a gated entrance.

We carried out an unannounced inspection on 16 & 17 November 2017. We now rate this provider as providing good care.

At our inspection in August 2016 we identified the provider was not meeting two regulations; safeguarding people from abuse and staffing. Potential safeguarding concerns had not always been identified and reported to us. Sufficient staff had not always been effectively deployed to keep people safe, for example from falls. We asked the provider to take action to make improvements, and this action has been completed. The provider now met the requirements of the regulations.

A registered manager was in place at the home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the home. 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 home is run. The registered manager was experienced and understood their responsibilities under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, including when to submit notifications to CQC.

People and relatives told us they felt the home was safe. Staff understood how to identify abuse and explained the action they would take if they identified any concerns.

People were supported by staff, most of whom had received appropriate training, supervision and appraisal to enable them to meet people’s individual needs.

Safe recruitment practices ensured that only suitable staff were employed. There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people’s needs and keep them safe.

Systems to manage and administer medicines, including controlled drugs, were safe. Staff received training to administer medicines and were regularly assessed for competency.

Incidents and accidents had been investigated and learning shared with staff. Individual and environmental risks relating to people’s health and welfare had been reviewed to identify, assess and reduce those risks.

The manager and staff understood and followed the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 designed to protect people’s rights and ensure decisions were made in their best interests.

People were supported to maintain their health and well-being and referrals were made promptly to healthcare services when required.

People enjoyed a variety and choice of freshly cooked foods, prepared in a way that met their specific dietary needs and preferences. People received support from staff, such as prompting or physical assistance to eat their meals, where required.

Staff interacted with people with kindness, compassion and care. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and ensured their privacy and independence was promoted.

Friends and family were able to visit their loved ones at any time and felt welcomed by staff.

Staff were responsive to people’s needs. People and relatives were involved in their care planning and had comprehensive care plans which met their needs and were regularly reviewed.

Opportunities were provided for people to engage in social and physical activities within the home and community if they wished.

Systems were in place to monitor and assess the quality and safety within the home. People and relatives were encouraged to provide feedback on the service.

Residents and relatives meetings took place and enabled people and family members to be consulted and involved with improvements the provider was making.

People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and would do so if they needed to.

The registered manager had good links with other agencies and community organisations to help keep up to date with best practice and local initiatives.

Staff felt supported by the manager who provided clear leadership and direction. Staff were confident to raise any issues or concerns with them and felt listened to and involved.

The provider and nominated individual maintained oversight of all aspects of the running and management of the home. They valued their staff and supported the registered manager in their role.