Have there been any changes in the ownership, management or the service's registration details in the last 12 months? Yes

If yes, what have they been: The previous manager has retired and another manager has been appointed.

Date of last key inspection: 11/04/2007

Brief description of the service:

Queens Lodge is purpose built detatched home situated on the outskirts of Blackburn. The home is located in a semi-rural position with views over fields. The home can accommodate up to 40 residents requiring nursing care, personal care or have a physical disability. Queens Lodge is family run and owned privately by Fern Holdings Ltd.

The home is located on a bus route opposite Royal Blackburn Hospital. Car parking facilities are available at the side of the home and the extensive gardens have been designed to allow easy access for residents and their families.

Accommodation comprises a variety of communal rooms, 28 single bedrooms and 6 twin bedrooms. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities. The decor is pleasant and a passenger lift is available to access both floors.

A statement of purpose and service user guide is available for residents or their families to be informed of the facilities and services the home provides. Fees for Queens Lodge range from £371 to £497 per week. This does not include hairdressing, newspapers and periodicals.

Service update since the last key inspection or annual service review:

What did we do for this annual service review?

We looked at all the information that we have received, or asked for, since the last key inspection or annual service review.

This included:

* The annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA) that was sent to us by the service. The AQAA is a self-assessment that focuses on how well outcomes are being met for people using the service. it also gave us some numerical information about the service.

* Surveys returned to us by people using the service and from other people with an interest in the service.

* Information we have about how the service has managed any complaints.

* What the service has told us about things that have happened in the service, these are called 'notifications' and are a legal requirement.

* The previous key inspection and the results of any other visits that we have made to the service in the last 12 months.

* Relevant information from other organisations.

* What other people have told us about the service.



What has this told us about the service?

The registered person sent us their Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) when we asked for it. It was clear and gave us all the information we asked for.

We looked at the information in the AQAA and our judgement is that the home is still providing an excellent service and that they know what further improvements they need to make.

The AQAA tells us that the service continues to undertake a good assessment prior to admission to ensure people who use the service are correctly placed. Plans of care are developed and updated to ensure residents' needs are met. Medication administration is safe. The privacy and dignity of people who use the service is taken into consideration to ensure people who use the service are comfortable with their care. People are offered choice within the routines of the care home to maximise independence. Leisure activities are provided for stimulation. The food served at the care home is satisfactory to the tastes of the people who use the service. Visiting is unrestricted to allow people to socialise. There was an accessible complaints procedure for people to voice any concerns. The safeguarding procedures helped protect people who use the service. The environment was homely and well maintained for the comfort of the people who use the service. There was a well trained staff team to provide care for the people who use the service. Management was open and provided support for staff. People's money was held safely. The views of people who used the service were gained to help the service improve. The health and safety systems protected the health and welfare of those who use the service.

Four staff surveys were returned to the CQC.

All four thought they were given up to date information about the care needs of people who use the service.

All four thought recruitment checks were robust.

Three thought the induction process covered everything they needed to know to do the job and one mostly.

All four thought they were given training which was relevant to their role, helped them understand the diverse needs of people who use the service and kept them up to date with new ways of working.

All four thought support was regular.

All four knew how to report the concerns of those who use the service.

Three thought there were always enough staff and one mostly.

Three thought they always had the right support, experience and knowledge to meet the different needs of people who use the service and one mostly.

All comments received were positive and included;

The service provides excellent standards of care for all the residents in the home. The staff are always appreciated and supported. The food is very good. The activities are excellent and provide a lot of entertainment for all the residents. They train staff so we are confident in dealing with residents' needs.

The registered person continues to let us know about things that have happened since our last key inspection and has shown that they manage issues well. The manager and provider work well with us and have shown us that their service continues to provide good outcomes for the people who use it.

There have not been any complaints or safeguarding issues made to the Care Quality Commission since the last key inspection.

What are we going to do as a result of this annual service review?

We are not going to change our inspection plan and will do a key inspection by the end of May 2010.

However, we can inspect the service at any time if we have concerns about the quality of the service or the safety of the people using the service.