10 November 2020
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ Information and guidance on Covid 19 restrictions and infection control measures in place was available and visible for staff, people and visitors.
¿ The manager had a clear communication programme in place for people, staff and relatives to keep them updated with issues related to Covid 19.
¿ There were sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies in place to ensure safe infection prevention and control practices were undertaken. Infection control policies had been amended to reflect current national guidance.
¿ There was an enhanced cleaning programme in place at the service and the service was visibly clean and well maintained. The housekeeping team wiped high use touch points throughout the day to reduce the spread of infection.
¿ The provider had ensured staff were skilled in infection prevention and control (IPC). This included up to date training on infection control and 'Donning and Doffing', how to put on and remove Personal PPE.
¿ Allocation and organisation of staff on the four units was undertaken to reduce the risk of spread of infection.
¿There was a testing programme in place for staff and people living in the service. This was to ensure if any staff or people had contracted Covid-19 and were asymptomatic, were identified in a timely way.
¿ A recent outbreak of Covid 19 at the service had been managed well and the plans in place to support people had been utilised safely. Staff who tested positive or had displayed symptoms of Covid 19 had shielded in line with the government guidance and were symptom free before returning to work.
¿ People were supported to keep in touch with their relatives via telephone calls, video links and window visits. When lockdown restrictions had been eased socially distanced garden visits were introduced. The provider was also erecting a floor to ceiling Perspex screen in a lounge area, which can be accessed from the garden, with an integrated intercom system to further support relatives visits safely.
¿ People admitted to the service were supported following government guidance on managing new admissions during the Covid 19 pandemic. The provider had specific Covid 19 care plans in place for people to provide guidance for staff caring for them.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.