2 December 2020
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
National COVID-19 government guidance was overall observed. Where we found shortfalls in expected standards the registered manager took immediate action.
At the time of the inspection, significant refurbishment work had commenced to make improvements to the environment, including the risks associated with infection prevention and control. This included new flooring, decoration and furnishings.
Staff had sufficient access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser was available throughout the service. PPE was disposed of following best practice guidance.
Competency assessments and observations of staff practice was regularly completed in hand washing and the use of PPE.
Action had been taken to upskill staff's awareness and compliance in COVID-19 national guidance. Staff demonstrated an awareness of their role and responsibilities in following infection prevention and control measures. Staff had access to ongoing best practice guidance and information.
Both staff and people who used the service, were supported to participate in regular COVID-19 testing. Immediate action was taken should people or staff, received a positive test or showed signs of infection to reduce the risk of transmission.
People were supported to maintain contact with their family and friends by telephone and the registered manager had been successful, in seeking funding for people to have access to a computer as an additional method to keep in contact with others. Staff supported people with their welfare by providing information and reassurance.
Prior to people transferring to the service their COVID-19 status was checked. On admission, people received a COVID-19 test and were required to self -isolate for a period of 14 days to reduce the risk of transmission.
COVID-19 signage was displayed throughout the service. The provider had a COVID-19 and business contingency plan that provided staff with guidance of how to manage the service should an outbreak occur.
We observed staff interacting with people, social distancing of people and staff were respected and staff wore PPE. A person told us they were happy with the care and support provided, that staff were attentive and responsive and wore PPE to keep them safe.
Consideration had been given to how staff entered the building, when and how they had their breaks and how staff meetings and the exchange of information was managed. At the time of this inspection agency staff were not being used.