A HEREFORDSHIRE care home was inspected after concerns were raised about management and the reporting of incidents, but has been given the all-clear with a "good" rating.

Lammas Lodge in Lugwardine provides care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

It was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on October 25 to check that the home's residents were not at risk of harm.

The report published after the inspection stated that two inspectors went and spoke with three people who used the service, a relative, four care staff, the registered manager and the deputy manager. They reviewed records which related to management and people's care, and documents on medicines and staff recruitment.

"We looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our inspection people were safe and protected from avoidable harm," the report said in regards to the safety of residents.

"Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuse and neglect. Staff told us what they would report and who they would report concerns to, both internally and externally.

"The provider assessed risks to ensure people were safe. Staff took action to mitigate any identified risks. 

"For example, we observed a person becoming distressed. This was associated with a health condition they lived with. Staff acted immediately to support and reassure the person."

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Assessing how well-led the service was, the report added: "We looked for evidence that service leadership, governance and the culture they created was positive and open at the service. 

"The provider has systems to achieve good outcomes for people. Staff and relatives told us that people were always at the centre of the home. 

"The management team were visible in the service, approachable and took an interest in what people and staff had to say. Staff told us they were well-supported by the registered manager and deputy, who were frequently on site and providing care or available through a phone call. 

"One staff member told us the deputy manager has been great and worked to understand what the best approach is for each person.

"The registered manager and deputy manager were motivated."

Christine Keyse is the managing director of the Priory group, which owns the home. Ms Keyse said: “We’re pleased to have retained our ‘good’ rating at Lammas Lodge following an unannounced inspection earlier this year. The result is testament to our hardworking and talented staff, and we’re proud this report rightly recognises their kind and affectionate nature and how this positively impacts the people we care for. It’s also heart-warming to read that family and friends believe Lammas Lodge places their relatives’ needs “at the centre of the service,” and that our highly-personalised care plans enable people to live with more independence.

"Inspectors were assured by our detailed risk assessments, said environments are designed with people’s individual needs in minds, and saw that staff administer medicines safely. As the CQC notes, we have robust systems and processes in place to ensure we’re continuously reviewing and improving the quality of care people receive, and our staff are always supported to raise any concerns or ideas for service improvement.”

The home manager Jane Metham added: “I’m very proud to manage such a motivated team of staff who are committed to providing high-quality care, day in, day out. Their hard work means people at the service live in a safe, nurturing environment, and get the tailored support they need.”