Broomhill Lodge

Updated 24 November 2021

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 Care Act 2014.

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

The inspection was completed by one inspector.

Service and service type

Broomhill Lodge is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager who was registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.

Notice of inspection

The inspection was announced. We gave the provider 24 hours' notice to ensure we were appraised of the service's COVID-19 status prior to the inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with two people who used the service, two visiting relatives, the registered manager, the area manager and two members of staff. We were unable to speak with some people due to their needs. 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 two people’s care records, medicine administration records, satisfaction surveys, audits, staff personnel files, and staff supervision records. We also looked at a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We spoke with two relatives to obtain their views of the service.

Updated 24 November 2021

About the service

Broomhill Lodge provides personal care and accommodation for up to eight adults with a learning disability and/or autistic people. At the time of our visit, six people were using the service.

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

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. People were given choices which were appropriate to their needs and level of understanding and ability. Care was person-centred and promoted people's dignity, privacy and human rights.

Staff had knowledge of safeguarding and were able to demonstrate the procedures they needed to follow. Risks to people’s individual health and wellbeing were identified and care was planned to minimise the risks. There were enough staff deployed to provide the care and support people needed. The staff recruitment process was robust and medicines were appropriately stored, administered and checked. The service had processes for the prevention and control of infection.

Staff had been trained in a variety of areas and were supported to maintain their skills through supervision and refresher training. People had access to appropriate health professionals when required and were provided with a diet and drink that met their individual preferences.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Where people did not have the capacity to consent, the staff acted in accordance with legal requirements.

Staff had a good knowledge of people they supported and respected their privacy and dignity. They promoted people’s independence. Confidentiality of people’s personal information was maintained. People’s care needs were documented so staff could provide personalised care and support. Staff monitored people’s health and wellbeing and sought advice or guidance from healthcare professionals as needed.

There was a complaints procedure which provided information on the action to take if someone wished to make a complaint and what they should expect to happen next. The provider welcomed suggestions on how they could develop the service and make improvements. There were systems in place to manage, monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities and felt supported by the management team.

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

Rating at last inspection

At the last inspection the service was rated good (published 29 November 2017). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has altered its legal entity. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the registration date of the 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.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.