CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Alderwood
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, February 2022
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection-control arrangements, but some staff did not wear face masks correctly.
This was an unannounced, targeted inspection on 1 February 2022. Inspectors checked infection prevention and control arrangements and asked about staffing pressures linked to COVID-19.
The home had systems to reduce infection risks. People and staff were tested regularly, a COVID-19 vaccination programme was in place, and visitors had appropriate checks.
Inspectors were assured about most infection-control arrangements, including visiting, social distancing, safe admissions, testing, cleaning and managing outbreaks. They were only somewhat assured that personal protective equipment was being used safely because some staff did not cover their noses and mouths fully.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the inspection does not provide an overall quality rating or a new rating for the five key questions.
Infection prevention systems
The home had systems to help prevent infections spreading among people, staff and visitors.
“Systems were in place to help prevent people, staff and visitors from catching and spreading infection.” from the report
Regular testing
People living in the home and staff were tested regularly for COVID-19.
“Staff and people were tested regularly for COVID-19.” from the report
Visitor checks
Visitors had checks in place to reduce the risk of bringing or spreading COVID-19.
“Visitors to the home underwent the appropriate checks to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others.” from the report
Managing outbreaks
Inspectors were assured that the home could prevent or manage infection outbreaks effectively.
“We were assured that the provider was making sure infection outbreaks can be effectively prevented or managed.” from the report
Face-mask use
needs fixingSome staff did not wear their masks so that they fully covered their noses and mouths. The clinical lead reminded staff about the guidance, and the provider was signposted to further resources.
“Some staff did not ensure their face mask fully covered their nose and mouth.” from the report
- 01How do you check that all staff wear face masks correctly, covering both the nose and mouth?
- 02What action do you take when staff do not follow PPE guidance?
- 03How are staff pressures linked to COVID-19 affecting care and staffing at present?
- 04How often are people living here and staff tested for COVID-19?
- 05What checks must visitors complete before entering the home?
This was an unannounced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control and COVID-19-related staffing pressures; it did not rate the other four key questions or the overall service. This explanation was written from the published report of 12 February 2022 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection control arrangements.
This was a targeted, announced inspection on 10 March 2021. It looked only at how well the home prevented and controlled COVID-19 infections.
Inspectors were assured that the home used personal protective equipment safely, followed social distancing rules, supported safe admissions and provided access to testing. Staff understood how to support people who had COVID-19 or symptoms.
The home had infection control training for all staff, including catering and housekeeping staff. The inspection did not give an overall quality rating, or a rating for most of the five areas CQC normally considers.
PPE supplies and storage
The home had enough suitable PPE. It was stored hygienically and safely, with separate areas for putting it on, taking it off and disposing of it.
“The home had sufficient supplies of appropriate PPE which was stored hygienically and kept safe” from the report
Following safety guidance
Staff maintained social distancing and wore suitable PPE in line with government guidance.
“Staff were careful to maintain social distancing and wore appropriate PPE in line with current government guidance.” from the report
Staff knowledge
Staff showed that they understood how to support people who had tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms.
“Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of how to support people that had tested positive or were showing symptoms of COVID-19.” from the report
Training
All staff, including catering and housekeeping staff, had completed infection prevention and control training.
“All staff, including catering and housekeeping staff had undertaken training in infection prevention and control.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are PPE supplies stored and how are separate areas for putting on and removing PPE maintained now?
- 02How do you test residents and staff, and what happens if someone tests positive or develops symptoms?
- 03How do you safely admit new residents and manage visits to prevent infections spreading?
- 04How often do all staff, including catering and housekeeping staff, refresh their infection prevention and control training?
- 05What quality checks do senior staff carry out to make sure infection control remains effective?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it did not assess the other four main CQC questions or give an overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 27 March 2021 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Alderwood
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- February 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- January 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- September 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- July 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- May 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 10 May 2011.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
48 live-in carers within about an hour of Gateshead
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £950 to £1,240 a week. 42 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Petty introduced herself to Mum every time she was caring for her and responded very quickly to Mum if she was distressed in the night.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.