9 February 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
There was a clear procedure in place to safely welcome visitors to the home. Visitors were asked to sign in, show evidence of taking a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test, their vaccination status and have their temperature taken. There was a supply of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clear guidance posters on how people could keep themselves and others safe and minimise the risk of cross infection. PPE complied with current government standards and was used in line with government guidance.
People were cared for by staff trained in safe infection, prevention and control, (IPC) practices. Staff regularly undertook refresher training that covered infection prevention and control processes. Staff spoke knowledgably about the risk of cross contamination and followed current IPC guidelines to help keep people safe.
We met four people and spoke with one person and one relative during the inspection. People told us they enjoyed living at Mulberry Court. One person told us, “We are all coping with it all day to day. We have lots of new staff, any problems at all we would speak up.” We discussed the wearing of PPE, one person replied, “We wear a mask when we go shopping, to keep everyone safe.”
People understood the constraints COVID-19 had placed on them. One person said, “We have been a bit restricted because of COVID-19. I’ve had my jabs and I’m getting out and about a bit more now which is good.” A relative told us, “It has all been very good…they are testing all the time and the staff are always wearing their masks all the time. It’s clean and hygienic, we are very happy with everything. We have been kept well informed, especially with the visiting and testing.”
There was a clear system in place to ensure people and staff received their tests in line with government guidance. People living at Mulberry Court, and the staff team, were fully engaged in both the COVID-19 vaccine and testing programmes. The service ensured people and relatives were kept informed of the current COVID-19 guidelines.
People had individual COVID-19 risk assessments. The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) in relation to all COVID-19 processes.
The premises and equipment were visibly clean and all areas were well ventilated and uncluttered to ensure people’s safety. The service had robust cleaning systems in place with scheduled daily, weekly and monthly cleans and frequent high touch point cleaning for high risk areas such as door handles, handrails and light switches. Cleaning products used were in line with government guidelines and were effective against COVID-19.
Policies and procedures were in line with current government guidance and used to inform staff, people and their families. Governance arrangements ensured that IPC policies and procedures were met.