Woodland Vale

Updated 19 December 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 6 November 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 19 December 2020

About the service: Woodland Vale is a residential care home that provides accommodation and personal care for up to 20 older people. At the time of the inspection there were 18 people using the service. The home specialises in caring for people living with dementia.

People’s experience of using this service: People received a service which fully promoted their wellbeing. Staff understood that the feelings of safety, value and respect were paramount to delivering person centred care, and having a happy home. Staff were knowledgeable and skilled and took great pride in making people’s lives as good as possible, taking people to the cinema, for example.

People’s health and care needs were met and their care planned in detail with family or health care professionals, making decisions in people’s best interest. The standard of care planning was exceptionally high. It provided detailed information about the person, from which staff could learn and develop ways to deliver what could make each person’s life as good as possible.

People knew staff well, responding to them with a smile and sometimes fun and laughter.

The design led dementia friendly environment promoted people’s independence and feelings of wellbeing.

Staffing numbers were under regular review through looking at people’s level of dependency, from which staffing decisions were made. Where necessary, additional staff had been deployed.

Health care professionals said they had no concerns at all. One said the care was excellent. Medicine management was safe and medicine use was kept under regular review.

There was effective leadership supported through a strong provider overview. People’s views were sought and actions taken to improve where possible.

People’s safety was fully promoted. All aspects of the service were under regular review.

Activities were provided which people identified with and enjoyed. Relationships with family and the community were promoted.

The service was very clean and fresh and the premises were well maintained.

People received a nutritious diet in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

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

Rating at last inspection: Good (June 2016)

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

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.