Woodthorpe Lodge Care Home Delivers the ‘GOODS’ on First CQC Inspection

Woodthorpe Lodge care home situated on John Boden Way in Loughborough have received an overall rating of ‘GOOD’ following their first inspection by regulatory body, the Care Quality Commission (‘CQC’). The home, which was opened in 2019 by Strictly Come Dancing star Flavia Cacace, provides care for up to 66 residents and has hit the spot in all five areas of inspection: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led.

During the visit which took place last month, inspectors observed day to day life at the home and examined paperwork, policies and care plans. They spoke to several members of staff across multiple roles as well as residents and relatives to gather a full picture prior to compiling the complimentary report.

The constant theme throughout the report shows that people who live at Woodthorpe Lodge are well supported, treated with dignity and respect and crucially, they are involved in making decisions about their care choices. The culture embedded at Woodthorpe Lodge was seen to be ‘person-centred and empowering, achieving good outcomes for residents’. Relatives also supported this, commenting, ‘Staff are very friendly, smiling and joyous, nothing ever seems too much for them. I often overhear the staff giving complimentary comments to residents; they are just lovely’. Another family member added, ‘The biggest asset of this place is the care staff. They are so kind and caring which makes such a difference to our lives. They are so kind and lovely to the older people, it makes me cry’.

Inspectors praised the home for its design and decoration, which is built and furnished with residents’ convenience and comfort in mind. The report cites, ‘The environment was clean and modern whilst maintaining a homely and comfortable feel. Residents have their own apartments, which can be personalised as they wished. There is also range of communal areas for people to use, including a cinema room, small lounges and hair dressing salon’. Inspectors were told of plans for a new vintage shop which will offer residents an opportunity to buy small items such as cards, toiletries, retro sweets and other knick-knacks.

Woodthorpe Lodge management were noted for their commitment to staff training and development, documenting that staff are offered regular refresher training along with a detailed induction period to new starters through face to face, zoom and on-line training sessions. One staff member told inspectors, ‘I had a week of enhanced training, with a specific topic covered each day. I could not have asked for a better introduction to care. Everything was explained thoroughly and not rushed; it was perfect! I am able to refresh my knowledge through online learning’.

Inspectors picked up on the positive atmosphere in the home and noted the commitment to infection control, PPE, testing and training, with Woodthorpe Lodge scoring top marks across all infection prevention and control areas. The care team and residents received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination in early January, with dates in place for their second dose to be administered this month. With the government go-ahead, residents are now able to safely welcome their loved ones for visits.

Home Manager, Preet Hundal, who has led the Woodthorpe Lodge team since it first opened its doors to residents, said, ‘It is a hugely proud moment to receive this report and the ‘GOOD’ rating across the board. To see our ‘house’ become a ‘home’ over the last 18 months and now to get a stamp of approval from the CQC means so much to both myself and my team. It really is a testament to the team who do everything they can to put their residents first.’

Woodthorpe Lodge operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home where residents can enjoy a full programme of health, leisure and wellbeing activities managed by a dedicated team of carers. For more information, contact Preet on 01509 274 027 or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk