10 March 2021
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following areas of good practice:
An infection and control policy was in place and had been updated to cover areas pertinent to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The home had purchased adequate amounts of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure that staff could protect themselves and people living in the home. Staff had received training with regard to donning and doffing PPE. Used PPE was disposed of as clinical waste.
At the time of our inspection, visitors were unable to visit in person (unless for essential and palliative visits) so staff had set up different ways in which people could stay in touch with those who are important to them. This included by phone, tablet and window visits. A family and friends lounge had been prepared for visiting and had been up and running for 6 months prior to our visit.
All staff undertook both PCR and lateral flow tests in order to protect the people they cared for. Where staff tested positive, they were supported to isolate at home and the appropriate authorities informed.
The premises looked clean throughout and communal areas were ventilated. Cleaning schedules had been updated in light of COVID-19 risks and frequent cleaning of high touch areas was undertaken by all staff, both day and night. The home had a large stock of cleaning detergents which had been checked for their efficacy in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Oversight of laundry was comprehensive and housekeeping staff demonstrated a good knowledge of the guidelines in place for washing people’s clothing should someone test positive for COVID-19.
At the time of our inspection, the provider had not undertaken written COVID-19 risk assessments to formally record the risks posed by COVID-19 to staff and measures to mitigate these risks to staff. This included staff who may be vulnerable due to their clinical history or ethnic background. Following the inspection, these risk assessments were completed.