Relatives of people living at South Africa Lodge on Stakes Hill Road in Waterlooville also spoke of their relief that their relative was in a safe environment, with one commenting, “To be honest it’s brilliant, we know they are safe and well-looked after”.

The 99-bedroom home was rated as ‘good’ in the watchdog’s report following an unannounced visit on the 20th April 2021, in which inspectors noted the service was “consistently well managed and led”. With a “leadership and culture that promoted high-quality, person-centred care. There was also an open, transparent and empowering culture with a focus on continuous improvement”.

South Africa Lodge provides care for people with challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological, physical and mental health needs. Inspectors noted the specialist care on offer, saying; “Staff had the right competence, knowledge, qualifications, skills and experience to carry out their roles” and “staff went about their duties in a calm, professional manner”.

The report also highlights how the provider worked collaboratively with other services to understand and meet people’s needs. Staff worked in cooperation with a variety of specialist professionals including neurological specialists, mental health professionals, and occupational therapists. One visiting professional had commented, “I feel they do an outstanding job in keeping people with very challenging needs safe and happy where possible. The team always put the need of the resident first, and the philosophy of care is very obvious and well adhered to”.

The home, which was fully compliant in the CQC’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) audit, has staff who felt supported to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene with additional cleaning in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Relatives all said cleanliness was of a high standard, and that they had been kept informed of protocols in place for visiting. One relative said, “I feel we have been well informed, notifications on Facebook and letters. We have been informed in a timely manner”. The CQC were also assured that the care home was preventing visitors from catching and spreading infections, was meeting shielding and social distancing rules and admitting people safely to the service.

South Africa Lodge, together with Kitnocks House in Curdridge and the newly opened Marula Lodge in Mytchett, is run by Cornerstone Healthcare Group. Home manager, Michelle Murchan, said they were delighted with the inspectors’ comments.
“All of the staff at South Africa Lodge are extremely proud of the feedback from the CQC and the wonderful comments from relatives and healthcare professionals alike.”

“I think everyone is aware of the challenges that care homes have faced in the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic but our staff have risen to the challenge and continued to deliver the highest quality of care to our residents and for that they should be commended”.