CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Conifer Lodge
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Staff managed risks without unnecessary restrictions, had enough staff and handled medicines and infection control safely.
- Effective?
- Good
- People received personalised support based on their health needs, choices and goals. Staff worked with health professionals and supported people with eating, healthcare, decision-making and independence.
- Caring?
- Good
- Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect. People were listened to, supported to communicate in their preferred way and helped to maintain important relationships.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- Care was highly personalised and focused on people's hopes, interests and independence. Staff helped people achieve goals that had previously seemed impossible, and adapted communication and support to each person.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- Leaders created a strong culture focused on people's rights, choices and quality of life. People, relatives and staff were involved in improving the home, and managers used audits, feedback and learning to develop care.
What inspectors found, October 2022
Conifer Lodge was rated Outstanding overall, with exceptionally responsive and well-led care and Good ratings for safety, effectiveness and kindness.
This was an unannounced inspection on 26 and 28 July 2022. One inspector visited the home, spoke with six people, five relatives, an advocate, 10 staff and two health professionals. The inspector also reviewed care, medicines, staffing, complaints, incidents and management records.
People were supported to make choices, take appropriate risks and build independence. Staff helped people achieve personal goals, maintain relationships and take part in activities that mattered to them. The home had 13 residents, although the report notes that best practice for this type of service is no more than six people. Inspectors said residents had formed long-term friendships, and plans were in place to support moves where this was in people's best interests.
The overall rating was Outstanding. Safety, effectiveness and caring were rated Good. Responsiveness and leadership were rated Outstanding. The current provider's first inspection followed a change of ownership. The ratings for all five questions were the same as, or better than, those recorded at the previous inspection under the former provider.
Personalised care plans
Care plans reflected each person's health needs, abilities, wishes and ambitions. People were involved in creating and reviewing them when they chose to be.
“People had care and support plans that were completely personalised, holistic, strengths-based and always reflected their needs and aspirations;” from the report
Independence and achievement
Staff supported people to develop skills, make choices and take part in meaningful activities. They helped people reconnect with relatives and achieve important personal goals.
“Staff made the impossible, possible using technology including computer tablets, the internet and interactive devices.” from the report
Respectful relationships
People were treated as equals and staff understood their communication needs. Staff respected privacy, preferences and the importance of family and other relationships.
“People received kind and compassionate care from staff who used positive, respectful language which people understood and responded well to.” from the report
Safe, least restrictive support
Staff assessed and managed risks while supporting people to have freedom and choice. No one needed restraint at the time of the inspection, and staff were trained to use it only as a last resort.
“People lived safely and free from unwarranted restrictions because the service assessed, monitored and managed safety well.” from the report
Medicines management
Staff followed guidance to avoid unnecessary medicines and reviewed medicines with prescribers. They also checked medicines when people visited family or friends.
“Staff understood and implemented the principles of STOMP (stopping over-medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both)” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How would you support my relative if they wanted to move towards more independent living?
- 02How do you make sure medicines are recorded correctly when people visit family or friends?
- 03How would you learn and use my relative's preferred way of communicating?
- 04How would my relative be involved in setting goals, learning skills and choosing activities?
- 05How do you make sure there are enough staff for one-to-one support when people want to go out or take part in activities?
This was a planned but unannounced inspection after a change of ownership, covering all five CQC questions and infection prevention and control. This explanation was written from the published report of 12 October 2022 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, April 2021
Conifer Lodge was inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inspectors visited on 16 March 2021. This was an announced, targeted inspection focused on infection prevention and control in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
They found the home was taking part in the national care home testing programme. Staff and residents had individual risk assessments, and staff were trained in infection control, using protective equipment and hand washing.
The home was clean and free from clutter. Inspectors were assured that the home managed visitors, distancing, admissions, protective equipment, testing, hygiene and possible outbreaks safely.
The home was inspected but not rated. This report does not provide an overall quality rating or ratings for most areas of care.
Testing and risk assessments
The home took part in national COVID-19 testing and completed individual risk assessments for staff and residents.
“The service took part in the national COVID-19 testing programme for care homes. Individual risk assessments were completed for staff and people to keep them safe.” from the report
Staff infection control training
Staff received training in infection control, protective equipment and hand washing. The home also checked their competence.
“All staff received training on infection control, the correct use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and good hand washing techniques.” from the report
Clean environment
Inspectors found the home clean and without clutter. Cleaning schedules and audits were used to monitor hygiene.
“The service looked clean and free from clutter. To ensure good infection control, appropriate cleaning products were used.” from the report
Support and communication
The report says the home supported social activities, community involvement and exercise, while keeping communication open with staff and residents.
“There had been lots of work on social activities, support in the community and exercising.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are infection prevention and control arrangements maintained now?
- 02How often are staff trained and checked as competent in using protective equipment and hand washing?
- 03How are residents supported to understand infection risks and stay safe?
- 04How are visits arranged now, and how is the visiting area cleaned between visits?
- 05What activities and community support are currently available to residents?
This was an announced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control only; the service was inspected but not rated and other care areas were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 April 2021 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Conifer Lodge
2 rated inspections over 4 years: the service has held its Outstanding rating throughout.
- October 2022Outstandingcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- April 2021Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- December 2018OutstandingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- March 2021
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 5 March 2021.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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17 live-in carers within about an hour of Cambridgeshire
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,200 a week. 14 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.