Working at Blaydon Lodge

2022: assured effective IPC, PPE usage, testing, vaccinations, risk assessments for community access; Per 2018: excellent safeguarding and whistleblowing knowledge, safe medicines management, incident analysis, embedded positive risk-taking.

Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: strong team ethos of teamwork, openness; staff say 'little family here, morale really good, everyone pulls together'; relatives describe staff as like part of the family.

Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: exceptional staff retention with same core team employed from service opening 10 years prior; sufficient flexible staffing for personalised care including 2:1 support as needed.

Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: staff received essential and specialist training for autism, feeding, medicines; records up to date with supervision and appraisals; 2022: additional PPE and IPC training.

Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Relatives and staff described the registered manager as supportive, approachable, leads by example, offered high level of support to staff and relatives, universally praised.

Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: multiple innovative experiences like desensitisation to beach, voluntary gardening, independent shopping trips, zoo outings, rock concerts with artist meet, theatre; improved communication and goals achieved; regional award finalist.