AN INSPECTION sparked by a Covid outbreak at a care home branded the service inadequate... with an unauthorised resident found living at the site.

Maplin House, in Church Road, Shoebury, was investigated in February with a damning report published this week. 

Concerns centred on poor infection control measures and a lack of measures to ensure resident safety. 

There was also a lack of any plan detailing how to isolate people who tested positive for Covid and how to zone areas of the service should there be an outbreak. 

Residents and staff who may be at increased risk of contracting Covid had not been assessed.

Staff wore PPE but the designated area for taking off PPE – the kitchen – was not appropriate and there was a risk of cross-contamination.

Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of harm were not robust, and a member of the public was found to be living at the service. However, following the inspection, the CQC were notified that this person was no longer living there.

Suitable arrangements were not in place to ensure the proper and safe management of medicines and this placed people at potential risk of harm – an issue the CQC say has now been resolved.

Care home manager, William Farrow, says the home remained Covid negative until December 29 – and he himself was unwell for five weeks, along with the deputy manager. Both isolated, while their proprietor was shielding due to his health issues.

He added: “The home was in constant contact with CQC, Southend Council, and Public Health England to discuss how best to continue. An action plan was also devised and most of the items to address have been completed.  “We have been monitored by Southend Council and the CQC have been informed of progress as it takes place.

The Basildon Clinical Commissioning Group did an infection control inspection on Wednesday which we passed with flying colours.”  The service was rated inadequate for safety and leadership.