Working at Horfield Lodge

Staff understood the processes to follow to safeguard people... Medicines were well managed and people received their medicines as prescribed. There had been no significant errors involving medicines in the last 12 months. Monthly audits of incidents were completed.

Staff felt constantly supported, valued and praised. They told us, 'There is no shortage of praise and we get thanked for all we do', 'I feel valued by everyone I work with' and 'Teamwork is essential and we have no problems there'. They told us, 'This is my second home', 'We are all so proud when we go home at the end of our shift'.

People were supported by enough staff with the skills, experience and knowledge to meet their needs. Staff rotas were well managed and were planned in advance. During the inspection, the atmosphere in the home was calm and staff did not appear to be rushed.

Staff felt encouraged and supported to increase their skills and gain professional qualifications. Staff worked well as a team and there was a continuous theme of supporting and supervising each other. They received supervision and told us they were supported by the registered manager, deputy and other senior colleagues.

Staff told us the registered manager led by example and they had tremendous respect for her. Comments included, 'She is extremely supportive and approachable', 'I look up to her and she inspires me' and 'I cannot fault the manager, we are where we are because of her'.

Examples include MOTITECH cycle challenge with measurable health benefits like increased arm strength post-stroke, qualified music therapist providing sessions where non-verbal residents sing, virtual reality technology, Purple Angel MP3 project for dementia, Little Lodgers intergenerational playgroup, and research involvement with university studies.