The Chimes Residential Home

The Chimes Residential Home provides personal and nursing care to up to 44 people aged 65 and over, supporting those living with dementia, mental health conditions, physical disability and sensory impairment. During inspection, areas requiring improvement were identified. Staff recruitment checks were not always completed in a timely way, with gaps in employment history not always explored and documented, creating potential safety concerns for residents.

The home was not following current government guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Staff and managers did not consistently follow best practice to minimise cross infection, and governance systems needed strengthening to keep pace with national guidance. Environmental records required better organisation to improve accessibility and audit trails.

However, the provider had begun allowing visits following government guideline changes, with relatives screened for symptoms before visiting, and both residents and staff had access to COVID-19 testing.