Toothbrush found next to used commode at ‘inadequate’ Birmingham care home

And inspectors also found that St Joseph’s care home in Erdington had no “policies or guidance in place for Covid-19 or plans should there be a case of the virus in the home”, despite the inspection taking place in March.

St Joseph’s, on Silver Birch Road, is a residential care home providing personal care to 15 people aged 65 and over, some of whom are living with dementia.

The report did find some redeeming qualities to the care provided – inspectors noted that those living at the home feel well looked after and that they have a good relationship with staff and that their dietary requirements were met.

Relatives of those at the home were also satisfied that their loved ones were being well looked after for the most part.

However despite this the facilities’ rating actually dropped from its last inspection in April 2019, when the service was rated as ‘requires improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission.

The home’s new grade of ‘inadequate’ means that it has now been placed into special measures, meaning it will be reinspected in the next six months to check for improvements.

During the inspection inspectors identified a number of issues with the home, including:

A lack of infection control audits, and a lack of any policy or guidance in relation to a potential Covid-19 outbreak.

“Used commode pots on the bathroom floor with a toothbrush next to these. We also found the cleanliness of the shower chairs and shower screen to below and acceptable standard both having a build-up of dirt and grime.”

“Soiled laundry was on the floor of the laundry room and not in a trolley or basket. This meant any bodily fluids could be transferred to the floor and contaminate other items after being washed.”

St Joseph’s was contacted for this story, but no one was available to provide comment.