Harrier Lodge

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details an inspection of Harrier Lodge, a care home offering nursing and residential support. The inspection focused on key areas like safety and leadership, following up on improvements made since a previous inspection. The report provides an overview of how the home functions, including its staffing, care practices, and management systems, to help families understand the quality of care provided.

On safety, the home has made significant improvements, with staff now following detailed guidance on modifying drinks to prevent choking and ensuring people are regularly repositioned to avoid pressure sores. Measures are in place to prevent burns and scalds, with modern fire safety systems regularly checked and staff trained on evacuation procedures. People are safeguarded from abuse, and staff receive regular training and know how to raise concerns, feeling comfortable doing so. The home maintains good staffing levels, with staff being recruited safely through thorough checks. Medicines are managed securely and administered according to national guidelines, with regular audits ensuring safety. Infection prevention and control measures are robust, with clear protocols for visitors, PPE use, and testing. When incidents like falls occur, they are analysed to prevent recurrence, with practical steps taken to increase resident safety.

In terms of how effective the care is, the home's approach to supporting continence has improved, with discreet assistance and timely changes of aids, alongside regular checks for urinary infections.

When it comes to how caring the service is, residents and their relatives generally feel safe and well supported by the kind staff, with positive comments about the quality of care received.

Regarding how responsive the service is, while not detailed in this specific focused inspection, the overall positive findings suggest residents' needs are being met.

In terms of how well-led the service is, leadership has strengthened, with robust quality checks now in place to monitor care provision closely. Both residents and their relatives feel the home is well organised, with residents' needs being the priority. Feedback is actively sought through surveys and direct conversations, leading to positive changes, such as adjustments to daily menus. Staff are well-supported with clear roles and access to up-to-date policies and procedures. The management fosters an open and honest culture, with a zero-tolerance approach to any mistreatment of residents and a clear understanding of their duty of candour when things go wrong. The service also works effectively in partnership with external agencies to ensure residents receive comprehensive support.