Lavender Lodge Nursing Home

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 4 July 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 21 May to 5 June 2025. The service is a nursing home providing support to older people living with dementia and/or physical disabilities.

This inspection was to follow up on previous enforcement action we took against the provider at our last inspection.

Since our last inspection an external management consultancy service had been instructed to provide intense management support and overhaul governance systems to improve safety and quality of the service. We identified some areas which required further improvement, such as some inconsistencies within care records. Actions to address the environment were still underway, and some areas were awaiting refurbishment. There continued to be a lack of signage to support people to navigate through the building. Governance systems had improved, but further work was needed to ensure these were embedded and sustained.

However overall, we found improvements had been made by the provider. Lessons were now learned when things went wrong, as accidents and incidents were appropriately reported, recorded and analysed. Systems were in place to protect people from the risk of abuse. People were involved in managing their risks, and staff supported people safely. Systems were in place to monitor people’s clinical needs. Appropriate referrals were made to relevant healthcare professionals as required, and advice and recommendations were recorded and shared with staff. Activities were available and people were supported to maintain hobbies and relationships. Care plans and records were more person centred. Appropriate provisions were now in place to support people’s communication needs, particularly those who could not speak English. The provider engaged with people, relatives and staff and actively sought feedback. End of life care was now more appropriately assessed and considered people’s holistic needs. Significant improvements had been made on the culture within the service, which encouraged people to speak up. Staff and leaders were supported in their roles by way of ongoing supervision, spot checks and meetings.

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, good governance and person-centred care. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

This service has been in Special Measures since 13 March 2025. The provider demonstrated improvements that have been made. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures.