18 January 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
On the day of our inspection we found not all staff were wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in line with national guidance. Guidance for keeping people safe in care homes stipulated that all staff working in care homes were required, as a minimum, to wear suitable face masks. We observed a staff member in an ancillary role who did not have direct contact with residents was not wearing or expected to wear a facemask. We spoke with the registered manager during the inspection and followed up with them and a representative of the provider following the inspection. We signposted them to the national guidance and they told us they were exploring how best to implement the guidance in a safe way.
We also found the home had mostly supported people using the service to maintain contact with their family and friends. However, the provider was not promoting and supporting people to have an essential carer giver in line with government guidance. We have signposted the provider to resources to develop their approach.
We found the following examples of good practice.
There were arrangements in place to prevent the risks for all types of visitors catching and spreading infection.
People living in the home and their relatives were mostly supported to maintain contact. When visitors were unable to access the home, for example, if they tested positive for COVID-19, garden and window visits were supported, as well as the use of technology such as video calling.
A programme of regular COVID-19 testing for people in the home, staff and visitors to the home was implemented.
All visitors, including professionals were subject to a range of screening procedures, including showing evidence of vaccination and a negative lateral flow test before entry into the home was allowed.
There was an ample supply of PPE for staff and any visitors to use. Hand sanitiser was readily available throughout the service. Staff had received updated training on the use of PPE and we mostly observed staff wearing it correctly during out inspection. Clear signage and information were in place throughout the home to remind staff of their responsibilities.