18 January 2021
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We found the following examples of good practice.
The service had identified suppliers for personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, aprons and eye protection. Staff had been trained in infection prevention and control, including the donning and doffing of PPE. We observed areas within the scheme where PPE would be stored and disposed of after use. Areas had also been identified for the safe handling of waste and used bed linen.
The service planned to regularly test staff for COVID-19 infection. Staff would not work in any other locations whilst based at the designated setting. In most cases repeat testing of people using the service would not be required, as incoming residents had already received a positive diagnosis of COVID-19.
An admissions process was in place to help identify people’s needs and ensure the designated setting was a suitable location for them. The service planned to hold daily meetings to ensure people’s needs were known and proactively plan for their discharge. Some people would require ongoing care and support after leaving the designated setting.
The service was in a clean and hygienic condition throughout. Arrangements were in place to regularly clean the service and we observed cleaning schedules. The service had also considered how rooms would be sanitised and well ventilated between use. Changes had been made to the environment to promote good hygiene, such as removing excess items and replacing fabric chairs with wipeable seating.
The service had an infection prevention and control policy in place. The service planned to undertake regular audits to monitor quality, including weekly audits of staff PPE use and hand hygiene. A business continuity plan was in place and there was a named infection prevention and control lead.
Visitors were prevented from catching and transmitting infection. Routine family visits and group activities were not appropriate due to the presence of COVID-19 infection. The service had access to phones and tablets and planned to support residents to maintain contact with their loved ones. An activities coordinator would also consider how people would remain engaged and occupied during their stay.
We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.