23 March 2021
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
Visitors could visit their family member/friend by appointment. They were asked to complete a rapid COVID-19 test, had their temperature checked and completed questions around COVID-19. Visitors wore personal protective equipment (PPE) that was provided and remained socially distanced. Staff helped people to use telephones to call family and friends. This helped people stay in contact.
External visitors to the home, including health or social care professionals entered via the back entrance were asked to wait before entering. They then signed in, sanitised their hands and had their temperature checked. There may be a request to take a rapid COVID-19 test. Or disclose the result of their last COVID-19 swab test. PPE would be made available if needed.
Letters were used to update people’s named relative /advocates re COVID-19 restrictions, testing and vaccinations. People and staff had individualised COVID-19 risk assessments in place.
Staff put on their PPE before starting work. Staff wore their PPE correctly. Staff were bare below the elbows and wore a minimum amount of jewellery, with long hair tied up. This promoted good infection control practice.
Staff had two rapid COVID-19 tests each week. They completed this test at home and staff waited for their results before starting work. Whole home testing was taking place and no staff or service users had refused to be tested. All service users had been vaccinated.
The home looked clean. Communal rooms had been decluttered to support effective cleaning. Windows were opened to promote good ventilation.