Arlesey care home out of special measures - but still requires improvement and in breach of legal regulations

Chase House has been given an overall summary of 'Requires Improvement' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – as well as in all five inspection categories: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led.

In March 2025 the care home had placed into special measures after it had breached five legal regulations – and although it has now improved, two legal concerns still exist.

The Chronicle has reached out to Chase House Limited for a comment but has not yet received a reply.

The home has been asked to submit an action plan to the CQC.

The latest report, published this month, reads: "At this inspection, some improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations relating to safe care and treatment, safeguarding and ensuring consent.

"However, the provider remains in breach of legal regulations relating to person-centred care and governance."

The report noted that there had been "recent and significant changes in leadership" and that Chase House had commissioned an external management organisation.

This had "assumed full operational control" in May and introduced a new leadership structure.

The report stated: "At this inspection, the provider had taken steps to stabilise the service, including improving medication management, addressing environmental risks... and strengthening staffing arrangements.

"Governance meetings and audits had been introduced, with a clearer focus on identifying risks and improving oversight."

However, the report stated that these improvements "were not yet embedded" and that there "remained a gap between systems and practice."

There had also been "failures to escalate safeguarding concerns and inconsistent care," with care delivery described as "variable".

"We have enough staff… but don’t often have time to spend with people in a meaningful way," a staff member told the CQC.

Meanwhile, people's personal experience was described as "mixed".

The report stated: "One person told us, 'The staff are excellent… kind, caring, considerate and calm.'

"Relatives also said people felt safe living at the service. One relative told us: 'Yes, I feel [my relative] is very safe, or I would not be keeping them there.'"

However, it added that people were "at times left sitting in communal areas without engagement", and that staff often focused on completing tasks – rather than interacting with people.

There were examples of positive interaction but "these were not consistent across the service".

Chase House, House Lane, supports older people, those living with dementia, physical disabilities, nursing needs and mental health support needs. Click here to find out more and visit its website.

Click here to read the full CQC report.