Watchdog raps Northampton care home for slip ups in infection control

A Northampton care home has been criticised by the healthcare watchdog after inspectors were unimpressed by slip-ups in infection control in its most recent visit.

Bethany Homestead care home, in Kingsley Road, Northampton, has been rapped by the CQC in its most recent inspection report for mistakes in how it moved and handled patients that put them at risk of injury and cross-infection

Inspectors noted that residents told them they felt safe and were treated by friendly, kind staff, and was even rated "good" for the way it treated patients with compassion - but the watchdog have still rated the care home as "requires improvement" overall because of the slip-ups.

However, despite the inspection report being published last week (April 6), the report was based on a visit six months ago - in September 2019.

Bethany Homestead say they have "taken action" during the six months and have put an improvement plan in place they say the CQC are happy with.

The report reads: "Staff were not consistently monitored in safe moving and handling and we observed incidents of poor practice during the inspection.

"Staff were aware how to control the spread of infection, however did not always follow infection control processes. We observed staff failed to change their gloves or wash their hands between supporting people with moving and handling.

"Peoples individual hoist slings were not being laundered and returned to their rooms and one person's room had an overwhelming odour. The person was moved from their room during the inspection for the floor to be replaced as a matter of urgency.

"Cleaning rotas that were in place were no longer being followed by staff, this meant we could not be reassured improvements had been made for infection control."

It means the care home was rated as requires improvement for the second year in a row.

Chairman of Bethany Homestead's board of trustees Mr Bird said: "The team at Bethany homestead welcomed the feedback received during our visit from the CQC.

"We have delivered a comprehensive plan to address the areas requiring improvement and welcome the recognition of positive aspects of care and support.

"We are grateful to our staff members for their commitment."