CQC grades Foresters Lodge as ‘requiring improvement’

Foresters Lodge, run by Highgate Care Services Ltd, was given the overall rating after a visit on Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7, with the report’s findings published on Friday, June 19

The home, on St Johns Avenue, also received ‘requires improvement’ in the safety and effectiveness categories, but earned ‘good’ grades for being caring; well-led and responsiveness.

The CQC assessment summary said: “Foresters Lodge is a residential and nursing care home providing care for up to 69 people, primarily older adults, including people living with dementia and those with complex health needs. There were 62 people living at the service at the time of the inspection.

“People experienced care that was kind, respectful and generally person centred. Staff knew people well and interactions were warm and compassionate, with people appearing relaxed and comfortable in their presence.

“People and relatives spoke positively about staff attitudes and the caring culture. People were supported to maintain choice and independence, including around daily routines, meals and activities, and staff respected people’s wishes when they declined care.

“However, there were significant shortfalls in safety and consistency of practice. The service was in breach of regulations in relation to unsafe medicines management, including poor storage, expired items and incomplete records, which increased the risk of avoidable harm.

“Leadership was caring and approachable, and managers responded to concerns raised during the inspection, with some improvements made promptly.

“Staff felt supported and able to speak up. However, managers did not always ensure learning was embedded or that standards were applied consistently across the service. Overall, Foresters Lodge had a strong caring ethos and positive relationships, but required improvement to ensure safe, effective and consistent care for everyone.”

Go to tinyurl.com/f5u8w8fr to read the full CQC report.