CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Hunter's Lodge
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, January 2022
Hunter's Lodge was inspected but not rated; inspectors found mostly good infection controls, but visitor screening and PPE storage needed improvement.
This was an unannounced, targeted inspection on 15 January 2022. It followed concerns about infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspectors also asked about staffing pressures.
Inspectors found good practice in several areas. Risk assessments helped balance infection safety with people's need for social contact. The home was clean, cleaning schedules were followed, and COVID-19 testing and vaccination arrangements were in place.
There were two areas where inspectors were only somewhat assured. Visitors were not routinely temperature checked or screened before entering. PPE was stored in communal bathrooms and toilets, although the manager agreed to move it immediately.
The service was inspected but not rated. This was a focused check of infection prevention and control, rather than a full inspection of all areas of care.
Balancing safety and social contact
Risk assessments were used to find the least restrictive ways to protect people from infection while reducing social isolation.
“Risk assessments were completed so the least restrictive solutions were found to keep people safe from infections while also protecting people from social isolation.” from the report
Clean premises
The premises and equipment were clean. Domestic staff followed cleaning schedules and used suitable cleaning products.
“The premises and equipment were clean and hygienic. Domestic staff followed cleaning schedules and used appropriate cleaning products to reduce the risk of infection.” from the report
Testing and vaccination controls
People and staff had received COVID-19 vaccinations, and an app was used to check test results and COVID passes for staff and visiting professionals.
“Staff used an App to verify all staff and visiting professionals had negative COVID-19 test results and a current COVID-19 pass before entering the service.” from the report
Visitor screening
needs fixingVisitors were not routinely temperature checked or asked to complete a COVID-19 screening tool before entering. The manager had introduced these processes and was reminding staff to follow them.
“Staff did not routinely temperature check or use a COVID 19 screening tool before visitors entered the service.” from the report
PPE storage
needs fixingGloves and aprons were stored in communal bathrooms and toilets. The manager agreed to remove them immediately and store PPE in clean, suitable areas.
“Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and aprons were being stored in communal bathroom/toilets.” from the report
- 01Are visitors now routinely temperature checked and asked to complete a COVID-19 screening tool before entering?
- 02Where is PPE stored now, and how do you check that it is kept in clean, appropriate areas?
- 03What action was taken after the inspection to make sure staff follow the visitor screening process?
- 04How do you currently manage COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and visiting arrangements?
- 05What are the service's current ratings for areas that were not covered by this targeted inspection?
This was an unannounced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, with questions about staffing pressures; it was not a full inspection and the service was inspected but not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 27 January 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, January 2019
Hunter's Lodge was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care with strong management.
This was an unannounced inspection on 4 December 2018. Inspectors spoke with six people, three relatives, staff and a visiting healthcare professional. They reviewed care plans, staff recruitment and training records, and the home's quality checks.
Inspectors found that people felt safe and received their medicines properly. There were enough suitably trained staff. Risks were assessed, people's health and nutrition were supported, and staff sought consent before providing care.
People were treated with kindness and respect. Care was tailored to people's preferences, activities were available, and relatives were involved. The home had effective checks to find and address problems. All five areas were rated Good, and each rating remained Good.
Safe staffing and medicines
Inspectors found enough staff with suitable skills and experience. Medicines were given safely, with staff training and checks of their competence.
“We saw that staff spent time with people and were available when people wanted them and they responded to people's requests quickly.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff knew people well and supported their dignity, choices and independence. Inspectors saw positive relationships between people and staff.
“We saw that staff had developed very positive relationships with people.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans included people's preferences and individual needs. People could take part in activities, walks and trips in the community.
“People received personalised care that was responsive to their needs.” from the report
Good management checks
Managers sought feedback and used audits and observations to identify areas for improvement. Staff said managers were accessible and supportive.
“There were effective systems and processes in place to monitor the quality of service provision.” from the report
Support for end of life care
People's end of life preferences were recorded. The service had achieved a platinum award for end of life care.
“The service had achieved a gold standards framework in care homes platinum award for end of life care.” from the report
Records were being updated
minorThe manager was introducing new documents to improve how capacity assessments and best interest decisions were recorded. The report does not say this affected the overall rating.
“they were in the process of implementing new documentation to improve the recording of assessments and best interest decisions.” from the report
- 01What progress has been made with the new documentation for capacity assessments and best interest decisions?
- 02How are medicines reviewed, and how are staff checked as competent to administer them?
- 03How will you assess and respond if a person's risk of falls, pressure sores or poor nutrition increases?
- 04What activities and trips are available for someone with my relative's interests and abilities?
- 05How are relatives involved in reviewing their family member's care plan?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five CQC questions and the overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 5 January 2019 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 Hunter's Lodge
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- January 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- January 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 11 January 2011.
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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At least 100 live-in carers within about an hour of Leicestershire
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 £980 to £1,260 a week. 82 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“If you bump into her in the night on her way to the bathroom she will still inquire how you are and if everything is alright.”
“Together Earther and I supported her to die at home with great dignity and compassion and him to continue with life.”
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.