Open Letter Regarding Madeira Lodge Care Home in New Romney

Dear Residents, Families, and Community of New Romney - I write to address the progress

Adam Hutchison

October 2024

Dear Residents, Families, and Community of New Romney

I write to address the progress and improvements made at Madeira Lodge Care Home, following the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) rating of "Inadequate" received in late 2022. As you may be aware, the report highlighted significant concerns regarding the quality of care and management at that time. However, I am pleased to announce that we have made substantial changes, and I want to provide clarity on the steps taken to ensure we are now delivering the high standard of care that our residents deserve.

Over the past 22 months, our team has worked tirelessly to address each and every issue raised in the original inspection. As of August 2024, when the most recent inspection was carried out, we can confidently say that all previously identified concerns have been fully resolved. The home has been operating at a high level for over 15 months, and we are eagerly awaiting the results of the CQC’s latest findings, which we hope will reflect the significant improvements that have been made.

A key factor in our transformation has been the appointment of our new manager, Kelly Parker. Since stepping into the role, Kelly has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, instilling a renewed sense of commitment to quality care and a positive culture within the home. Under her guidance, the team has undergone rigorous training and development, ensuring that all staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide the compassionate, person-centred care that Madeira Lodge is now known for.We have implemented a number of new systems and practices to ensure continuous improvement, these include:

• Enhanced Staff Training: All staff members have received comprehensive training in key areas such as safeguarding, care planning, and dignity in care. We now conduct regular training updates to maintain high standards.

• Improved Management Oversight: With Kelly Parker's leadership, we have established clearer lines of communication and accountability within the team, ensuring that any concerns are promptly addressed and that best practices are consistently followed.

• Resident-Centred Care: The well-being and satisfaction of our residents remain at the heart of everything we do. We have refined our care plans to ensure they are more personalised, and we continuously seek feedback from residents and their families to improve our services.

• Regular Audits and Inspections: We now have internal systems in place for frequent self-audits to identify potential areas for improvement before they become an issue. We also encourage regular, open communication with external health professionals to ensure we are meeting all clinical and care standards.

The hard work and dedication of our team are reflected in the day-to-day lives of our residents. Families have shared their positive experiences with us, noting the attentive, caring approach of our staff and the warm, homely atmosphere at Madeira Lodge. It has been a priority to rebuild the trust of our community, and we are confident that we have restored the home to a place where families feel confident and secure in the care of their loved ones.

While we await the CQC's latest report, we are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to maintaining and building upon these improvements. We understand that trust is earned, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that Madeira Lodge remains a home where residents are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.

We look forward to sharing the outcome of the inspection with you all soon and will continue to provide updates as we receive them. Thank you to our residents, their families, and the local community for your ongoing support throughout this journey. Together, we will ensure that Madeira Lodge remains a home we can all be proud of.

Warm regards

Adam Hutchison - Managing Director

Madeira Lodge Care Home Management Team

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