Nightingale Lodge

The registered manager fostered at the heart of Nightingale Lodge a very strong ethos of individualised care. This was the cornerstone of their practice and was the continued inspiration for the staff and service.

Support of the staff team was paramount to the registered manager, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when they had been asked to put themselves at risk. She said she, "Can only praise the whole team – they are exceptional." The registered manager and management team had gone over and above in the support they had shown staff with examples given which had led to staff developing an unfaltering loyalty and dedication. The staff team worked as one to provide high quality, personalised care to the people living in the service, supporting each other to attain the best possible results.

People received exceptionally individualised care from staff who were thoughtful, caring and accepting. The loving and warm culture of the service promoted an especially open and mutually supportive nature that built strong relationships. People were involved, engaged and consulted on a regular basis. Relatives and people, we spoke to felt confident from previous experience, if they had any concerns the registered manager took them seriously and did whatever was required to improve the situation.

People's wellbeing was enhanced by person-centred activity planning, both by group and individual sessions tailored to the interests and hobbies of the people living at the service. The service looked at creative ways to keep people in contact with their families during COVID-19, including photos of people giving a 'virtual hug', sending poems, as well as consulting with people and their families to find out suitable ways when there were communication difficulties