Background to this inspection
Updated
15 April 2021
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.
This inspection took place on 1 April 2021 and was announced.
Updated
15 April 2021
Chalkmead is a care home. The service provides accommodation and personal care for up to 50 older people, some who may also be living with dementia. On the day of our inspection 24 people were living at the service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Staff told us they felt supported throughout the pandemic. They had access to enough personal protective equipment (PPE), testing facilities and information and training around infection control.
Visitors to the service went through rigorous processes to help ensure they did not put people at risk of catching COVID-19. This included lateral flow testing on arrival and wearing full PPE when coming into the premises.
The service was clean and hygienic, and we observed housekeeping staff carrying out cleaning tasks. High touch points such as door handles and light switches were cleaned more frequently, and stronger cleaning products had been introduced to help reduce the risk of spread of infection.
People’s well-being was considered by staff and risk assessments were completed when necessary to help ensure people did not suffer by having to isolate unnecessarily, for example.
The service had dedicated one living area to people moving into the service or people who had tested positive with COVID-19. This enabled people to isolate away from others and dedicated staff attended to their care.
Changes had been made to the layout of the service to help with social distancing of people and staff, particularly when staff were on their breaks.
Further information is in the findings below.