17 March 2021
During an inspection looking at part of the service
The Pines is a care home providing personal care to eight people aged 40 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 10 people.
We found the following examples of good practise
The home had remained free of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. The registered manager confirmed staff were supporting people to have a healthy diet and take additional vitamin supplements to keep their immune system strong, this included Vitamin D tablets.
Appropriate zoning had been introduced to the home. This enabled staff to keep people safe and encourage social distancing in communal areas.
The provider had maintained a plentiful supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the pandemic and was utilising the government portal to ensure the PPE stock remained at a safe level. Regular stock checks also ensured the level remained safe.
Thorough cleaning schedules had been implemented in response to the pandemic. This included regular cleaning of high touch areas such as banisters. Evidence was seen of these high-risk areas being sanitised three times a day.
The provider was taking part in the regular testing programme and ensured all staff and people living in the home had access to regular testing. This followed guidance and ensured appropriate steps were taken in recording tests in a timely way.
Visits had been arranged following the most recent change to government guidance. There was a clear path for visitors to take around the side of the building to a safe, sanitised area for visits to be conducted. Extra safety precautions were taken such as PPE provided to visitors and all visitors completing a lateral flow test at the beginning of the visit.
Further information is in the findings below.