17 December 2020
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ Systems were in place to ensure visitors to the service followed national guidelines for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Health screening questionnaires and a temperature check were required for all visitors.
¿ Infection control policies had been updated to reflect current national guidance. Information and guidance on infection control measures in place were available for staff and people at the service. Additional signage was displayed with information and guidance on COVID-19 restrictions for visitors.
¿ Staff were trained in current Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and in the use of PPE. There were designated areas for donning and doffing of PPE, and handwashing facilities were available. We observed staff followed current guidance and best practice throughout our visit.
¿ There were sufficient PPE supplies in place including masks, visors, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser to ensure safe infection prevention and control practices were undertaken.
¿ A recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the service had been managed well and the plans in place to support people had been utilised safely. People were supported to isolate in their rooms.
¿ A regular programme of testing for COVID-19 was in place for staff and people who lived in the service; an enhanced testing regime was implemented during the outbreak.
¿ The housekeeping team used an in-depth cleaning programme, including regular cleaning of high use touch points throughout the day.
¿ People admitted to the service were supported following national guidance on managing new admissions. The provider put in place risk assessments which clearly identified people at a higher risk of COVID-19 and the measures in place to support them. This meant staff had clear guidance on how to support people.
¿ People were supported to keep in touch with their relatives and friends through telephone and video calls. The provider had also built a visiting pod with screening to minimise the risk of spreading infection and to enable people to continue to receive their visits in a comfortable and safe way.
¿ Since the outbreak the provider had maintained a no visiting policy with an exception for people who were nearing the end of their life and professional visits. The provider kept their visiting policy under review to ensure they supported people to keep safe.