We carried out a review of the data available to us about Avonfield Neurological Centre on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Avonfield Neurological Centre, you can give feedback on this service.
Pathfields Lodge is a residential care home providing the regulated activity personal and nursing care to up to 48 people. The service predominantly provides support to older people, some of whom live with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 25 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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; however, not everyone using the service had a comprehensive and up to date assessment of their capacity. A programme was underway to ensure that all people had an up to date capacity assessment.
People were supported in a safe way by staff who were trained to do their role, and recruited safely. There were enough staff on site to ensure people’s needs were promptly met.
Medicines were administered accurately by staff who were trained to do so. Areas of the service that were in use were largely clean and tidy. Some areas of the building were not fully in use, and required refurbishment. A plan to do this was in place.
People’s needs were assessed and identified. This included support needs with food and fluid intake, skincare, and any healthcare requirements. Records showed people received the support they required.
Staff were kind and caring in their approach, and respected privacy and dignity. People told us they were given the time they needed to express themselves. Staff knew people’s individual needs, likes, and preferences.
A complaints procedure was in place and people knew how to use it. There was no end of life care being delivered at the time of inspection, but people had plans in place as required.
Staff felt well supervised and supported by the management team. Staff told us morale was good, and they enjoyed working at the service. Audits and checks took place to ensure any issues were found and acted upon.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was requires improvement, published on 9 June 2021.
Why we inspected
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.
The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about staffing levels and documentation. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection under the old provider, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Pathfields Lodge on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Relatives and friends visiting the home were required to complete a COVID-19 test, had their temperature check and wore personal protective equipment (PPE).
Staff and visiting professionals were asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status against COVID-19 prior to entering the home.
We saw PPE was accessible within the home and staff used it in accordance with the most up to date guidance. Information about the correct use of PPE and handwashing guidance was displayed throughout the home. The provider had purchased mobile PPE stations that could be easily moved outside rooms where people were self-isolating.
Areas of the home had been better utilised to ensure safer practices in relation to COVID-19. Staff had changed to working in zones to limit staff movement in all areas. The staff room had been moved to a larger more spacious room and restricted numbers of staff were allowed in staff room at any one time.
All staff who had COVID-19 were regularly contacted by management to ensure their wellbeing. Staff completed a return to work interview when they were ready to go back to work, and they were asked if they needed any reasonable adjustments to support them on their return.
There was a COVID-19 champion who was also a nurse. They ensured that all up to date guidance was shared with staff and implemented at the home.