Inspectors check on home in the wake of ‘concerns’

THE CARE Quality Commission has made a “targeted inspection” of the Nightingale House care home in Clapham to follow-up “specific concerns about the service in relation to infection control”.

It said it had also “received concerns about nutrition and hydrations needs of people using the service”, most of whom were living with dementia.

However, in a newly-released report on the inspection, undertaken at the end of June, the CQC said it found that residents received “sufficient food suitable to meet their nutritional and hydration needs.

“Risks were regularly assessed and managed to minimise weight loss and malnutrition.”

There had been additional training and support for staff in meeting residents’ “complex nutritional needs. The registered manager worked closely with family members and other health and social professionals to discuss concerns about people’s health and wellbeing, including weight loss.

“We were assured the provider was working within the national guidance on good infection prevention and control guidelines in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.” The CQC also noted a “robust” admissions process and Covid checks for visitors.

Targeted inspections do not change a home’s rating from a previous inspection as “they do not assess all areas of a key question”. Nightingale was rated outstanding in its last full inspection in August 2018.

In a statement, Nightingale Hammerson chief executive Helen Simmons said that following the “unannounced audit... we were not surprised that CQC acknowledged the dedication of our professional staff teams, who provide exceptional care, and that our CQC rated ‘outstanding’ status was maintained.

“The care of our older generation has never been closer to people’s hearts and we remain committed to providing the highest level of care for all older people within the Jewish community.”

We remain committed to providing the highest level of care’