Response to recent media coverage

Home news

Oct 27, 2014

You may have seen recent media coverage highlighting concerns raised about Mildenhall Lodge. When they visited in July, the CQC inspectors did note that the residents were supported by team members who were caring, respectful and engaging positively and warmly with people.

However, we also accept the inspectors found several issues with the home including shortcomings in staff training, and teething issues with the equipment at the home - in particular the call bell system and the computerised care records.  Many of these were a result of the fact that the home had only been open for six weeks and have now been rectified.

However, this does not excuse the shortcomings experienced in the early weeks of the home’s operation. A detailed improvement plan was drawn up immediately and its implementation is being overseen by very experienced senior managers.

The CQC’s more recent visit to Mildenhall Lodge, found that while there is still work to be done, improvements have already been made. CQC inspections at 12 homes in Suffolk found 11 of them to be fully compliant.

Our priority is to make sure that future transfers of residents into new homes take place at the right pace and at a time when ourselves, CQC and the Council are confident that progress has been made at the two homes with improvements to complete.  We have therefore taken the decision to delay the next stage in the programme – the opening of Britten Court in Lowestoft – and will be working closely with residents and their families over the coming weeks to confirm new dates for moves.

Our absolute focus is on the wellbeing of our residents and if you have any concerns at all or any questions you would like answered, please feel free to contact the home manager at any time.