Chidham nursing home celebrates latest CQC report

Pinewood Nursing Home in Chidham was visited by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors in February and report on the findings in April.

Inspectors found the home to be 'good' when it came to being safe, effective, responsive, caring and well-led.

Part of the report summary stated: "Trained staff administered medicines safely. Since the last inspection there had been improvements to the medicines administration procedures.

"People were kept safe from the risk of abuse by well trained and caring staff. The home was kept in good safe repair and was clean and smelled fresh. Safety checks on equipment used in the home were carried out routinely.

"Staff were recruited safely and there were enough staff to support people and spend time with them. A staff member told us, 'No one is ever rushed, they can take their time, for example when getting up in the morning. Christmas time was just lovely, we made sure everyone was involved.'"

Lawrence Marsh, owner of the care home, said: "We are lucky because we have got a top manager and top staff. They moved in in April 14 and we have been reducing traffic [in an out of the care home].

"The staff have now moved in and are using a couple of beds and have made a sort of camp in the lounge. We have been exceptionally lucky.

"The staff have been absolutely brilliant and we couldn't have done it without them.

"It's down to our new manager Denise Viviers and I think that everything she has done has made the home better. They could see that the care home was safe and clean and that everyone is well looked after."

Denise has also been credited with the creation of a home 'wish list' which has seen residents win trips to visit a Spitfire plane and to the beach.

Lawrence continued: "I think we are not far off being outstanding due to our attention to detail but we are very happy at the moment with an overall 'good'."

Lawrence said the previous CQC which found the home 'requires improvement' last year was a 'big shock', several changes have been made in the meantime and Lawrence believes this year's report reflects that.

During the Covid-19 crisis, support has also been coming to the home from the community including delicious currys and pizzas being delivered to staff by local businesses, laptops to help residents video call family members and even the arrival of more than 60 Chidham villagers gathering safely outside the home to give a round of applause to those working inside.

"It's very overwhelming," Lawrence added.