Gable Lodge

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our last inspection we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

People and their relatives were encouraged and supported to raise concerns about safety. One person told us, “I would tell the staff.” A relative said, “If we saw anything we didn’t like, we would say. We could talk to [registered manager] at any time and people’s welfare is a priority for her.” The registered manager told us, “Because I am here nearly every day, the staff will talk to me and they always come to me and ask for advice. I speak to residents every day and ask for their feedback.” Systems were in place to support prompt reporting and investigation of safety concerns. The registered manager used learning from investigations to support staff to continually improve their practice, reduce risk and keep people safe.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

Information was obtained from people, and others involved in their care, about their needs and risks to their safety and used to develop individualised care and risk management plans for them. This ensured people received safe and appropriate care and support from the moment they started to use the service. The registered manager told us, “When I get a new admission I always go and do an assessment and look at any care plans in place. I make sure I have done a risk assessment before people come in, a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) and a summary of the person’s care needs so staff know as soon as the person comes in what care they need to give them.”

The provider supported people to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

People told us they were safe at the service. A relative said, “Definitely [family member] is safe here…I’m happy [family member] is here…Never heard any bad words said to people here.” The atmosphere at the service was calm, friendly and homely. People were comfortable and at ease interacting with staff, and with each other. When people became disorientated or anxious, staff were kind and patient and used appropriate techniques to help calm people and reduce their agitation. Staff and managers understood how to safeguard people and systems were in place to help them make timely referrals to the relevant persons and agencies.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

The provider had made improvements since our last inspection and were no longer in breach of regulations. Systems had been improved to ensure risk to people was assessed, monitored and reviewed at regular intervals. People’s records now contained current, up to date guidance for staff about how to manage identified risk to people and keep them safe. People were supported to stay safe by staff who understood how risk to their safety should be managed. One person told us, “I have a walking frame…sometimes I manage with a walking stick but the carers assess my walking to see which I should use. Their carefulness is relaxing.” Another person said, “I use a walker and the (staff) help me so I do feel safe and they are always nearby.” Staff were aware of where people were and remained present and available in case people required their assistance.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

The provider had made improvements since our last inspection and were no longer in breach of regulations. Suitable restrictors had been placed on first floor windows which reduced the risk of people falling from height. The environment was kept free from unnecessary slip or trip hazards which helped people to move around safely. One person told us, “I do just what I want, I like to walk about and keep fit.” Another person said, “They keep an eye on us, make sure that everything is well cared for.” Safety systems and equipment were maintained and serviced at regular intervals. This helped to ensure the environment, and equipment used, remained in good order and safe for use.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

Staff received training and management support to meet the range of people’s individual needs. One person told us, “They seem to be knowledgeable.” A staff member said, “The manager talks to us about people and she gives us support about how to look after people.” A relative told us there were enough staff to support people. They said, “The ratio of staff to people means people are being seen all the time by the staff, due to the size of the home. [Family member] is heard and seen straight away. There is always 2 or more staff here.” Staffing levels were planned based on people’s dependency and individual needs and were stable and consistent. Staff were supported with their learning and development needs and encouraged to continually improve in their role. A staff member told us, “I get regular training…we do have supervision meetings. Once every three months. If you have any concerns you can talk to the manager and she will find the solution.” There were safe recruitment practices at the service. The registered manager made sure only suitable staff were employed to work at the service.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

People were supported to live in a clean, hygienic environment. Staff received relevant training and followed current practice to minimise the risk and spread of infection. Staff had access to resources and equipment to help them reduce infection risks. One person told us, “They wear aprons and gloves when they need to.” Staff maintained cleaning and food safety records to provide a clear record of measures taken to reduce infection risks. The service had recently achieved the highest rating of 5 following a food hygiene inspection of the service in February 2025.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences.

People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. One person told us, “As far as I know, they come at the same time every day.” Medicines stocks, balances and records showed people consistently received the medicines prescribed to them. Staff received relevant training and were clear about their roles and responsibilities in relation to safe management and administration of medicines. The registered manager undertook checks of medicines which included checks on staff to make sure they remained competent to administer and manage medicines safely. They told us, “Medication is only done by staff that have been trained. I do competency checks on staff and I go to assessors training as well.”