16 February 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home and extra care scheme inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively. This included checking the provider was meeting COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Staff implemented safe visiting procedures, and this meant the risk of infections being brought into people’s homes was minimised. People were able to take risks they understood such as, accessing the community.
Alternative arrangements were in place for visits if there was ever a COVID-19 outbreak. Checks and monitoring of standards of hygiene and infection prevention and control helped drive improvements and actions were taken to prevent recurrences or cross contamination.
Staff undertook COVID-19 testing as required by current guidance and self-isolated before attending a care call if any tests were positive. Checks were in place to monitor people’s and staff’s health and wellbeing. Additional communication methods, such as telephone calls, video calls, and the use of computer Apps helped increase contact with friends and relatives.
All staff, external health professionals and visitors, evidenced COVID-19 vaccination status, and evidenced a negative rapid COVID-19 test when required, before entering the service. The only exception to this was for emergency workers, to ensure no delay to the care and support people needed.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) was available in the service, and guidance for PPE usage was displayed. If needed, there were enough staff who could work in specific areas of the service to help prevent the risk of any potential cross contamination.
Staff ensured they wore PPE correctly, followed good IPC practices, washed hands correctly and used appropriate cleaning and sanitising products. Frequently touched areas, such as door handles, switches and handrails, received enhanced cleaning.