Wood Hill Lodge

Updated 9 May 2024

We carried out an assessment of this service on 25 June 2024 to 3 July 2024. This assessment was to follow up on previous enforcement action we had taken against the service. Previously we were concerned about people’s safety, relating to managing risks, infection control, medicines management and a lack of person centred care. We also felt that the service was not well led, and the provider did not have effective governance systems in place. As a result the service had been rated as inadequate and placed in special measures. During this assessment, we found that significant improvements had been made and the service is no longer in special measures. However, some improvements were still required, and the service remained in breach of regulations in relation to medicines management, infection control practices and governance systems. More robust auditing systems were in place, these required strengthening to ensure the day to day management of infection control practices and medicines management was effective and ongoing improvements could be made. Improvements were made to care records and care plans and risk assessments were more person centred and reviewed regularly. The provider had introduced a more robust senior management and quality team, which had improved how they learned lessons when things went wrong, and an ongoing service improvement plan was in place. The service had undergone refurbishment in several areas of the home, with several new items of furniture in place, plans were ongoing to continue to improve the environment. People were now supported by enough, suitably qualified staff. Most staff told us they felt supported in their roles and things had improved, particularly due to the service being more organised. The registered manager was dedicated to sustaining the improvements made and continuing to develop the quality and safety of the service.

Updated 9 May 2024

People and relatives told us the service had improved, particularly the food, activities, and the environment. Comments included, “The cleanliness is a lot better now, my relative has had new furniture and always looks clean when I visit.” “The staff look after me well and are kind to me.” “The food is excellent.” ”It is much better, it is excellent, the standards are higher, couldn’t be better now.” We observed kind and respectful interactions between people and staff. Most people told us they felt safe living at the service, however some people told us they felt uncomfortable around their peers, this required exploring by the provider to ensure people felt comfortable and safe. Feedback was sought from people and relatives about their care, however this required strengthening, to evidence action was taken in response to people’s feedback. We observed staff gaining consent from people and respecting their wishes. People told us staff offered them choices. One person said, “I have a shower when I want, it is my choice, staff offer me choices.” And another person said, “I have an advocate, to make sure people know what I am saying.”