Welcome to Spring Lodge Care Home

Our response to the CQC report

CQC said: people were placed at potential harm- we observed a person being transported in a wheelchair without a lap belt.

Our response: We acknowledge this was the inspectors findings on the day, and whilst we do not feel residents were at risk in the home given the even floor across the home, we have now reviewed our policy and procedure and have implemented a system of lap belts being fastened when residents are being moved around the home, but then released once the wheelchair is stationary and brakes are applied. 

CQC said: we saw the sling used on a hoist to transfer a person had a washed-out label, making it impossible to identify the size of the sling or the person it belonged to.

Our response: We have reviewed all slings in the home and ensured the sling referenced in the report was taken out of action. Following the inspection, a system of tagging slings to better identify who the equipment belongs to has been implemented.  We continue to work with the supplier of the slings to ensure they are tested frequently as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

CQC said: the district nurse was visiting to administer medication to a person-they found the person so unwell they instructed the care staff to call an ambulance. Staff were aware the person was not well, but failed to monitor the person’s condition and check their vital signs.  

Our response: Following the inspection, we have arranged a monthly meeting with our District Nurse team to talk through any areas of improvement or focus and to also improve communication between the two teams to ensure the best possible service delivery to our residents. 

We have also reiterated with our senior team the actions to be taken in the event of a resident displaying any signs or symptoms of ill health or deterioration in their condition. 

CQC said: we had previously reported that there had been ongoing changes in management at Spring Lodge. The service was without a registered manager. The deputy manager in post was once again acting as manager. There were senior managers within the organisation present and supporting the service. 

Our response: In-between inspections, there has been a registered manager at Spring Lodge. Unfortunately, this individual was not still in post at the time of the inspection. However, the home has continued to be well supported by the current Deputy Manager who has been in post for over a year.  As an organisation it is important to us that the right replacement manager is selected which can take time, in the meantime the senior management team at Kingsley Healthcare continue to have a regular presence at the service to provide continued support, guidance and supervision- as well as being available twenty-four hours a day on call to support should the need arise.

CQC said: A consistent registered manager who knew people well, would have mitigated the risks we have found in relation to moving and handling equipment and monitoring health.

Our response: Whilst we acknowledge the absolute importance of consistency of registered manager in our homes, we believe the report shows many examples of where the home has improved since the last inspection, and also displays very positive feedback from our families, staff and key stakeholders. 

Overall, we feel that the report showcases many of the positive aspects of the day to day life in Spring Lodge and we continue to be extremely proud of the dedicated and hardworking staff team who make the home a positive environment to both live and work in.