The inspection visit took place on 14 February 2017 and was unannounced.Newfield Lodge Rest Home is registered to accommodate up to 32 older people who do not require nursing care. At the time of our visit there were 30 people who lived at the home. Newfield Lodge is part of a family owned and operated group of four care homes in the Lytham St Annes area. The home is situated close to St Annes centre.
At the last inspection in October 2014 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained good. However a rating of requires improvement had been identified in the ‘safe’ domain. This was in relation to recruitment checks for staff not in place prior to employment. This had now been addressed by the management team. At this inspection we found the service remained good.
Improved systems of recruitment of staff were in place. Checks were carried out to ensure suitable people were employed to work at the home. Staff confirmed they only commenced employment when all checks had been completed.
The registered manager had systems in place to record safeguarding concerns, accidents and incidents and take appropriate action when required. Sufficient staff were on duty to support people. The management team were in the process of identifying times when extra staff would be beneficial for the service and people who lived at the home.
The registered manager understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This meant they were working within the law to support people who may lack capacity to make their own decisions.
Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people who lived at the home. These had been kept under review and were relevant to the care and support people required.
Care plans were in place detailing how people wished to be supported. People who received support or where appropriate their relatives were involved in decisions and consented to their care. Further development of care plans had been implemented and a new system introduced. One staff member said, “They will be simpler and more informative when they are all completed.”
Staff responsible for assisting people with their medicines had received training to ensure they had the competency and skills required.
We observed regular snacks and drinks were provided between meals to ensure people received adequate nutrition and hydration. Comments from people who lived at the home were all positive about the quality of meals provided. One person said, “I have bacon, egg and sausage every day, lovely.” Also, “We have good cooks and always a choice. It is good food here.”
We found people had access to healthcare professionals and their healthcare needs were met.
People who lived at the home told us they were encouraged to participate in a range of activities that had been organised. An activities co-ordinator was employed by the organisation to encourage people to participate in their chosen hobbies or interests.
People who used the service and their relatives knew how to raise a concern or to make a complaint. The complaints procedure was available and people said they were encouraged to raise concerns.
The registered manager used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of care at Newfield Lodge. These included regular audits of the service, annual surveys, ‘resident’ and staff meetings to seek the views of people about the quality of care at the home.