1 March 2021
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
• People were supported to see their family and friends in line with current guidance. A self contained visiting pod with separate access for people and their visitors had been erected which enabled communication through a clear screen.
• Where people had sensory impairments and had difficulty communicating with their visitors, risk assessments were undertaken and measures were put in place to support them to safely see their visitors.
• People were supported in small social bubbles within the home. People ate meals and used communal areas with others in their social bubble in order to reduce the risk of widespread transmission of COVID-19 throughout the home.
• People’s emotional and social wellbeing was promoted through an activities programme that had been adapted to reduce risk of transmission. The home had implemented a book club where people could listen to audio books and then discuss them in small groups.
• An additional staff member was recruited specifically as a COVID-19 domestic assistant. The additional cleaning ensured the home was kept clean and cleaning schedules were compliant with infection prevention and control guidance. This also limited the number of staff members required to access areas, such as the visiting pod.
• A COVID-19 specific Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policy had been implemented to support the existing IPC policy in place.