Waterlooville specialist care home praised for 'positive culture' as it receives 'Good' CQC rating

STAFF have been praised for the ‘positive culture’ within a specialist care home for those with challenging behaviour.
Staff at South Africa Lodge, WaterloovilleStaff at South Africa Lodge, Waterlooville
Staff at South Africa Lodge, Waterlooville

South Africa Lodge in Waterlooville has received a Good rating from the Care Quality Commission during an unannounced visit at the end of last year.

The home on Stakes Hill Road, run by Cornerstone Healthcare Group, provides nursing and personal care for up to 94 older people and specialises in those challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological, physical and mental health needs.

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The report read: ‘From our observations and speaking with staff, the manager and provider it was clear there was a positive culture at South Africa Lodge.

‘We found an open and transparent culture, where constructive criticism was encouraged. The provider, managers and staff were enthusiastic and committed to further improving the service delivered for the benefits of people using it.’

Relatives also spoke positively of the care their loved ones was receiving.

The report read: ‘One relative told us, "Everyone knows my husband and treats him with dignity and they are professional".

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‘We observed staff talking to people in a polite and respectful manner. People's body language demonstrated that they were very happy in the presence of staff and other residents.

‘The service anticipated people's needs and recognised distress and discomfort at the earliest stage. We saw staff offered sensitive and respectful support and care. For example, we saw that a person was becoming restless, a member of staff noticed this and asked them if they would like to go for a walk.’

The CQC was also impressed by staff personalising care and activities depending on the needs of the patients.

‘People were supported by staff who had a good understanding of their care and support needs and their personal preferences. We saw one example of where a person's ongoing condition changed.

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‘The clinical leads within the service made an immediate referral to a specialist healthcare professional to ensure the person received the support they needed. We spoke with this professional and they told us "They are brilliant, they always implement what we discuss".

‘The provider had strategy in place to revaluate and assess the types of activities that were being offered to people. As part of this strategy the provider had introduced 'me at three', this is where nonmembers of the care team stopped their daily routines and spent time visiting people who did not have regular contact with family or friends.’

South Africa Lodge home manager, Janice West said: ‘Care here involves the whole team - we are all responsible for our residents’ quality of life from the housekeeping and maintenance staff to the managers - and it’s good to see that recognised.

‘People here are genuinely enthusiastic about improving the service we offer and creating the best possible environment for our residents to call home.’

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