South Chowdene

Updated 11 March 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 16 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 11 March 2021

About the service

South Chowdene is a residential care home providing nursing and personal care to up to 42 people aged 65 and over. Accommodation is provided in a purpose-built building over two floors. At the time of the inspection 35 people were living at the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People were at the heart of the service and their views were valued and listened to. One relative said, “All the residents are treated as a person, not a commodity. [Staff] have time to sit and talk and have a bit chat. The level of care is outstanding, not just good. It's like a true family here.”

The registered manager was enthusiastic and committed to foster an open and transparent culture. The provider and registered manger had developed especially strong links with the local community and went above and beyond to ensure the home was as accessible as possible. Quality assurance was robust, involved people living at the home and used to learn lessons and drive improvement.

Staff were kind and treated people with dignity and respect. The registered manager and staff regularly went above and beyond to meet people’s needs and preferences. People could participate in a diverse programme of meaningful activities, including regular opportunities to integrate with the local community. People received especially compassionate and dignified end of life care.

People, relatives and staff confirmed the home and service were safe. Staff felt confident to use the safeguarding and whistle blowing procedures, if needed. The registered manager ensured staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs. The provider followed safe recruitment practices when employing new staff. The home was clean and well maintained. Incidents and accidents were reviewed to identify learning and keep people safe.

Staff received good support and completed the training they needed. Staff supported people to have enough to eat and drink and to access healthcare services.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People's needs were assessed and the information used to develop personalised care plans. People could participate in a wide range of activities. Complaints were thoroughly investigated.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 20 May 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.