Hollybank Residential Home

The provider was following best practice guidance to prevent visitors to the home spreading COVID-19 infection. The provider kept in touch with family members and people's friends through regular phone calls and emails.

The provider had arrangements for visitors to meet with people virtually through video conferencing and physically in visiting areas. The provider had arrangements for visitors to meet with people in a visiting pod (designated area for visits) which was a purpose-built visiting area in their garden with a giant transparent screen separating the pod. They also had a conservatory where visitors could meet with people. All visitors have to had had their temperature checked and show proof of negative lateral flow test on arrival; in addition, visiting professionals had to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

In order to control the spread of infection the provider promoted social distancing in the lounge and had two sittings at mealtimes. Each floor in the care home had dedicated staff and staff had staggered break times. The provider informed us that staff used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask and apron when providing personal care and when social distancing was not possible.

All COVID-19 positive service users were isolated according to Public Health England Guidelines. The provider informed us if a resident tested positive, they were isolated and were allocated a dedicated carer to cater their needs.

The provider had an admissions process in place. The provider informed us that newly admitted service users had to have had undertaken a COVID-19 PCR test 24 to 48 hours prior to being admitted into the service. A lateral flow test was undertaken on the day of admission into the service and they were isolated according to latest government guidance. The provider informed us that some service users found it difficult to isolate in their rooms and they were allowed outside their rooms if they had a negative lateral flow test; however, they were asked to maintain social distancing in communal areas.

The home had five PPE stations for staff to don and doff (put on and take off) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The provider informed us that they had prepared individual packs of PPE including gloves, apron and masks and used these packs with residents who were isolated due to COVID-19.

Our observations during the inspection confirmed staff were adhering to PPE and social distancing guidance.

The provider informed us that all staff had received the infection prevention and control and personal protective equipment training.

The provider informed us that all staff undertook COVID-19 lateral flow tests three times a week and PCR tests once a week. Lateral flow tests were undertaken on a daily basis during an outbreak. The provider confirmed to us that all staff working at the service had received their booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The provider informed us that all residents except one had received their booster dose.

The provider informed us that they had an open-door policy and had regular meetings with staff. The provider informed us that one of the care staff was a mental health wellbeing officer who helped residents and staff. The provider informed us they supported the wellbeing of staff by having open discussions, regular virtual meetings and being flexible with their rotas. The care home manager indicated they were supported by the management.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found