Walkern Lodge is a residential home in Stevenage providing outcome focused care for adults with learning disabilities, who may have behaviours that challenge and associated complex needs.
The latest inspection was an unannounced inspection on 28th June 2022 with a follow up visit on 11th July 2022. The inspection looked at all five key lines of enquiry. Were improvements were identified in the ‘Safe’, ‘Effective’ and ‘Well Led’ domains and as a result the service achieved a good rating across all five domains.
The full report, published on the CQC website, highlights many areas of positive practice, including:
- Due to a thorough and effective assessment process, people’s needs reduced, and abilities increased after settling into the home.
- Care plans supported healthy eating and detailed likes and dislikes and how to support each person maintain a balanced diet.
- Resident’s care plans showed easy read records which were in place to capture their preferences and views about their care.
- Residents were supported to live fulfilling lives. Staff enabled them to do things they wanted and in their own time.
- One resident had developed a new skill which had previously not been possible in other care settings. This was only possible due to support from the staff team.
- Relatives were positive about the care and support provided and were positive about how the service engaged with them and they felt their views were listened to.
- Professionals were positive about how staff treated people. One professional told the inspection team that, “I feel that the people at Walkern Lodge are supported well, and in a way that suits them.”
- The manager was a STOMP (Stop over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both) champion. This helped to ensure that people only received anti-psychotic or sedative medicines when absolutely needed and only for the shortest time possible.
Jamil Ali, Interim Service Manager, said, “As a staff team we have worked very hard towards receiving a good rating from CQC. The staff team are very happy that the result shows how much of good place Walkern Lodge is to work and live.”