23 November 2020
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
Robust infection prevention and control measures were in place. There were supplies of PPE by the front door and posters and signage to alert people to the restrictions and measures in place. A sanitising station had been set up inside the front door so that hands and wheelchairs could be cleaned before people entered the building.
The premises were kept in a clean and hygienic condition throughout. Areas of potential high risk of cross-infection, such as handrails and light switches, were regularly disinfected. Supplies of PPE were available to staff throughout the premises. Staff were encouraged to bring a spare set of clothes to change into when they finished their shift. There were showering facilities for staff to use. There was a room staff could move into if they wished to self-isolate at work, to protect family members.
Staff had received training on infection prevention and control. This included use of PPE and how to put it on and take it off. The risks of potential exposure to the virus had been assessed for all staff, taking into account health conditions and high risks associated with people from black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds. There was a designated Covid-19 champion who promoted good practice at the home.
Staff and people who used the service were tested for Covid-19. People were tested prior to admission to the home, such as if they needed to return from hospital.
The home was effectively managing an outbreak of Covid-19 and preventing further spread. A root cause analysis was carried out to see how the outbreak happened, to help prevent further occurrence. Visitors to the home were restricted due to the outbreak. Contact tracing and health declaration forms were completed on arrival at the home and staff checked people’s temperature. The home facilitated contact between people who use the service and their families, using computer technology, and had purchased additional IT equipment for people to use.
The home liaised with appropriate external bodies for advice and guidance, such as Public Health England, the local authority’s infection prevention trainer and the primary care clinical lead for the service. Any advice or equipment provided by these agencies was incorporated into how staff cared for people. A business contingency plan was in place, to reduce the effects of potential disruption to people’s care. There were policies and procedures to provide guidance for staff on safe working practices during the pandemic. Auditing and observation of care practice took place to ensure these were adhered to.