The inspection took place on 16 August 2017 and was unannounced.

Oak Lodge provides care and support for up to 32 people with mental health needs. Oak Lodge is a large detached property located in the Manningham area of Bradford, close to public transport systems, shops and local community facilities. Bedrooms are on five floors, with communal rooms on the ground and lower ground floors, all accessible by a passenger lift. At the time of the inspection 30 people were living in the home.

The service had not previously been inspected since registration with the Commission in December 2016. Previously the service was registered under a different legal entity.

A registered manager was in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We spoke with 16 people who used the service. People praised the care and support provided and said it met their individual needs. They said care was delivered in line with their preferences and staff were kind and caring. Health professionals also spoke positively about the service and said they thought it provided good quality and person-centred care.

People told us they felt safe living in the service. Staff knew people well and understood the risks associated with their care. Safeguarding procedures were in place and we saw they had been followed to help ensure people were kept safe. Following any incidents, measures were put in place to prevent a re-occurrence.

The premises were safely managed and fit for purpose. The communal areas were comfortable and pleasant rooms to use. Refurbishment and improvement of the environment was ongoing at the time of the inspection. The home was clean and hygienic.

People received their medicines as prescribed. Well organised systems were in place to ensure the consistent administration and documentation of medicine support.

There were enough staff deployed to ensure people were appropriately supervised and received prompt care and support. Staff had time to engage with people in a meaningful way. Safe recruitment procedures were in place to help ensure staff were of suitable character to work with vulnerable people.

People praised staff and said they had the right skills and attributes to do the job. Staff received ongoing training, support and supervision from the management team.

The service was acting within the legal framework of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). People’s consent was sought before care and support was offered. Where people lacked capacity best interest processes were followed.

People had access to a suitable range of nutritious food which varied from day to day. Drinks were available throughout the day to help keep people hydrated. Nutritional needs were assessed and action taken to protect people from risk.

People’s healthcare needs were assessed and used to develop clear and person centred care plans. The service liaised with a range of health professionals over people’s care and support.

People received care from staff that treated them with dignity and respect. Staff displayed kindness and compassion and used good interpersonal skills to help calm any anxieties people were experiencing. People were able to make daily life choices and were listened to by staff. Staff encouraged people to be as independent as possible.

A very good range of activities were available to people. The service had its own minibus which increased the flexibility and range of options available to people. Links had been developed with the local community to improve people’s social opportunities.

A system to investigate and respond to complaints was in place. People said they were satisfied with the serv