Ashley Lodge Bupa Care Home rated 'good' by Care Quality Commission
A ONCE failing New Milton care home has achieved a turnaround to be praised as ‘good’ by the national watchdog.
It follows the Ashley Lodge Bupa Care Home being rated ‘inadequate’ and placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in May 2018.
Jessica Rolfe, Ashley Lodge home manager, commented: "We are very proud that the Ashley Lodge team have improved their rating.
"The whole team work so hard, and it is brilliant to see all that work reflected in such a positive report."
The Ashley Lane facility currently provides personal and nursing care for 48 residents and was rated as ‘good’ in all areas including safety, effectiveness, and being well led.
The CQC inspectors praised its risk management, hygiene standards, food offering and support of staff. Alongside commending the consistent, effective and timely care, the report noted that the care home adapts services, design and decorations to meet residents’ needs.
Following the inspection, where the CQC team spoke to relatives, residents, and staff, they received additional positive feedback from 10 staff members and 10 relatives.
The report said medicines were managed safely for people, although it did recommend some improvements should be made to medicine-related records.
Risks were considered and safely managed and people supported by staff trained in safeguarding who would whistle-blow if they had concerns.
There were "usually" sufficient staff deployed to meet needs, the CQC report continued, and the registered manager assured inspectors they would only increase numbers of people using the service as they increased staffing levels.
The premises were very clean to minimise the potential spread of infection and people, staff and visitors were tested for Covid-19 in line with government guidance.
Nutritional care plans based on advice from healthcare professionals ensured people had the correct diet for them, and CQC inspectors received positive feedback about meals.
Referrals were made to appropriate health and care professionals and relatives were kept informed about their family residents.
