Holles Street Short Breaks Service provides respite care and support for up to ten adults with a learning disability. We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ The provider had ensured there was a plentiful supply of personal protective equipment and we saw staff used this appropriately.
¿ There was a designated entry system into the home, with temperature testing, contact questionnaire and hand disinfection on entry. Track and trace information was gathered at the point of people entering the home.
¿ The provider had identified specific areas within the home to ensure effective use of cohorting and zoning to reduce the potential for infection to spread. Staff were appointed to care for specific people within designated areas within the home, which further reduced the potential for transfer of infections.
¿ Areas were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with approved products to reduce the potential of transfer of infection.
¿ Risk assessments had been completed to protect people and any staff who may be at higher risk and measures were in place to support them. Staff were supported by regular information and the option of accessing wellbeing support.
¿ People were provided with information on areas of keeping healthy and well in a range of formats which included written and pictorial information.
¿ Due to the nature of the service which specialised in supporting carers to have regular breaks, there were few visitors to Holles Street Short Breaks Service. Any visits that had been arranged to people in the service were completed at a safe distance and were planned and completed with the person’s and staff safety in mind.
¿ Staff were on a regular shift pattern with few changes of staff from shift to shift. There was no need for swapping of staff from home to home as the provider had employed additional staff to supplement the normal staff group.
¿ The provider had arranged a separate staff entrance with closed by changing, showering and PPE doffing / disposal facilities.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.