Bethany Lodge

This report covers a targeted inspection of Bethany Lodge, a residential care home providing nursing and personal care for up to 24 adults with physical and learning disabilities. The inspection was carried out by the Care Quality Commission in January 2021 to specifically review concerns related to staffing levels, medicine management, and overall service oversight and leadership. While the visit focused on these specific areas rather than a full comprehensive review, inspectors evaluated how the home protects residents, maintains safety standards, and manages its daily operations during the ongoing pandemic environment.

People were supported by enough suitably vetted staff, and staffing levels had recently been increased above funded care hours to give employees more time to spend with residents. Medicines were managed safely by trained staff, and although a past medication error had occurred, staff took correct corrective action by updating records and consulting pharmacists. The home also demonstrated strong infection control practices, including dividing the building into two sections, following shielding and social distancing rules, and using personal protective equipment effectively.

Care was delivered in a person-centred way that encouraged independence, choice, and control for residents.

Staff understood their roles well, worked closely as a team to include everyone, and shared a clear vision focused on delivering high-quality care and promoting residents' dignity and human rights.

Relatives and staff noted that the management team was open, transparent, and approachable, keeping families updated and resolving any concerns immediately.

The service did not have a registered manager in place at the time of the inspection, though the operations manager and quality manager provided active oversight and support while a new manager was being recruited. Regular audits were completed to drive improvement, and identified shortfalls led to action plans, including the implementation of specialized positive behaviour support training for staff to better assist residents who may become distressed.