We inspected Park Lodge on 10 and 12 August 2016, the inspection was unannounced. Our last inspection took place on 12 September 2013 and we found that the provider was meeting all of the regulations that we checked.

Park Lodge provides accommodation and care for 23 people with mental health needs. The home has 22 studio flats and a one bedroom flat for people who are able to live more independently. At the time of the inspection there were 22 people using the service. All the flats were furnished with en-suite bathrooms and kitchen facilities. There were comfortable communal areas, a lift and a large accessible garden.

The service had a registered manager. 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.

Staff understood how to protect people from abuse and systems were in place to inform people about how to report concerns. Risks to people’s health and welfare were regularly assessed and reviewed.

People were involved in the staff recruitment process. The provider followed safe recruitment practices. There was enough staff deployed in the service to meet people’s needs. Staff had access to appropriate training and were sufficiently trained on how best to support people in the service.

Staff sought people’s consent before carrying out care and support. Staff understood and worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

People were given choice and control over how their healthcare needs were met. Reasonable adjustments were made for people. The provider worked in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure arrangements were in place to meet people’s healthcare needs.

Good systems were in place to ensure the safe administration, storage and disposal of medicines.

People were able to cook their own foods and were supported by staff to follow a well-balanced diet.

People were given opportunities to increase their skills and knowledge about the care and support they received. Information was co-produced by the people who used the service. People were involved in all aspects of their care and forums were available for people to express their views.

People were supported by caring and friendly staff and were comfortable approaching staff when they required support. People’s privacy and dignity was maintained. The provider implemented improvements when any complaints were raised. People knew what to do if they had any complaints.

Staff were enthusiastic about people reaching their goals and told us the registered manager was supportive and approachable.

Quality assurance systems were in place and used to obtain feedback, monitor service performance and manage risks. People had a say on how the provider designed, planned and delivered services.