Bowland Lodge

Ratings

• Overall

  Inadequate

• Safe

  Inadequate

• Effective

  Requires improvement

• Caring

  Requires improvement

• Responsive

  Requires improvement

• Well-led

  Inadequate

Our view of the service

Date of assessment 24 April to 8 July 2024. We found 2 continuing breaches of the legal regulations in relation to good governance. Although we found some improvement in the management of medicines since our last inspection, there were still on-going significant shortfalls. These included a lack of effective oversight to ensure people received their medicines safely, medicines were stored at the correct temperature, accurate cream application records were kept and personalised guidance for staff about administering ‘when required’ medicines. The provider was not always proactive in identifying and addressing potential risks. There were safety issues with access to the rear of the building which had not been identified and resolved prior to our visit. Further improvements were required to ensure equipment and the environment were well maintained and clean. Some flooring used in the home was not suitable to promote good Infection prevention and control (IPC) as it was difficult to clean. The provider logged and reported individual incidents and accidents. Staff were mostly positive about the home and the care provided. New staff were recruited safely. Staff were visible around the service and engaged well with people. Staff supported people to access external health and social care services, as needed. The provider had made some improvements to the kitchen areas in the home. The provider did not always maintain accurate care records to show how they were being supported, such as weight and food intake records. Staff gave positive feedback about the registered manager’s leadership and the changes they had implemented. The provider did not have effective quality assurance processes to ensure issues were identified and resolved quickly. Although audits were carried out and some issues identified, it was not always clear what action had been taken to address those issues.

People's experience of this service

People said they were generally happy with their care. However, our assessment found medicines administration, the environment and health and safety, did not meet the expected standards. People gave positive feedback about the care staff. They said staff supported them to do anything they wanted and listened to them. People felt the quality and choice of meals needed improving.