Ashton Lodge of Sunbury-on-Thames

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Ashton Lodge Nursing Home following an inspection on April 13, 2021. The inspection focused on infection prevention and control measures in place at the home, which accommodates up to 100 older people, including those with dementia. The summary details how the home performed across key areas, offering insights for families considering care for their loved ones.

Regarding safety, the home demonstrated strong practices in preventing the spread of infections. Staff consistently used personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, supported by visual reminders, and there were no reported shortages of PPE or cleaning supplies. Additional cleaning tasks were implemented for high-touch surfaces. The home also ensured safe visiting arrangements for relatives and managed admissions and isolation protocols in line with national guidance for COVID-19. Access to testing facilities was adequate, and earlier antibody testing helped identify asymptomatic cases.

In terms of how effective the care is, the dedicated isolation unit, staffed by a specific team, and the proactive use of antibody testing before wider availability highlight an effective approach to managing potential outbreaks and protecting residents. The structured approach to maintaining contact with families through various platforms, even before in-person visits were possible, shows an effective way of keeping residents connected.

When assessing how caring the service is, residents reported feeling well cared for and happy, observed in communal areas while social distancing. Staff felt supported by their colleagues and management, with the registered manager actively participating in care tasks, indicating a caring and engaged team environment.

In terms of how responsive the service is, the flexibility offered in visiting arrangements, including a choice of visit types, shows a commitment to residents' and families' needs. The maintenance of contact through different platforms prior to full reopening demonstrates responsiveness to ensuring residents could still connect with loved ones.

Looking at how well-led the service is, the provider's proactive steps, such as the PPE video and dedicated isolation team, along with strong support for the registered manager from the provider, indicate effective leadership. The implementation of separate staff facilities to minimise movement and the manager's hands-on approach further underline a well-managed environment.