Priory Lodge

Inspectors found staff were friendly and treated people kindly.

“Staff were friendly and approachable and treated people kindly.” from the report

People inspectors spoke with were happy living at the home, and the atmosphere was described as friendly.

“People we spoke with were happy living at the service. The atmosphere within the home was friendly and welcoming.” from the report

People were supported to attend appointments with healthcare professionals, including specialist clinics and psychiatrists.

“People were supported to attend appointments with other healthcare professionals such as specialist clinics and psychiatrists.” from the report

Some people could go out independently, and some had keys to their rooms.

“Some people went out into the community independently.” from the report

Risk assessments did not give staff enough detail about how to respond to distress, prevent skin breakdown or manage other safety risks. Equipment and other items also obstructed a fire exit.

“Systems were not robust enough to demonstrate safety was safely managed, placing people at risk of receiving unsafe care and support.” from the report

The provider did not have reliable systems to monitor care, investigate incidents, learn lessons or drive improvement. This was a breach of Regulation 17.

“There was a lack of oversight and governance systems to effectively monitor the safety and quality of care provided and drive improvement.” from the report

Staff had limited knowledge of mental health needs and had not received important training in areas such as de-escalation and positive behaviour support. This was a breach of Regulation 18.

“They had not received training in associated and best practice areas such as positive behaviour support, de-escalation, break away techniques and physical intervention.” from the report

Care plans did not consistently describe people's strengths, goals, wishes, mental health needs or meaningful activities. This was a breach of Regulation 9.

“People's support plans were vague in relation to people's mental health, their strengths or abilities, wishes, aspirations and short and long-term goals.” from the report

Cleaning checks and schedules were not effective, and some laundry and protective equipment arrangements created contamination risks.

“People were not always protected from the risk of infection as staff were not consistently following safe infection prevention and control practices.” from the report

People were not always involved in planning their care, and shared rooms did not have screens or curtains to provide privacy.

“Shared rooms did not have screens or curtains to provide people with privacy.” from the report