Balmain Care Home

People living at the service had capacity, understood the risks of Covid 19 as well as their collective responsibilities to each other and staff. Since the start of the pandemic people living at the service had chosen to limit their interactions to keep each other safe and form in effect their own household bubble.

Whilst the registered manager and staff told us they were doing everything they could to support, encourage and enable people to socially distance. It was evident from our observations that some people living at the service did not always choose to follow their guidance

We found the following examples of good practice.

Systems were in place to help manage the risks and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

There was a clear system in place for visitors to ensure they followed the current guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing.

Instructions were easily accessible on arrival at the service to ensure visitors understood the services infection prevention and control protocols and what they needed to do to keep people and themselves safe.

All visitors to the service were asked to walk through a 'Sanitising Tunnel', wear PPE, have their temperature checked, wash their hands and complete a verbal health declaration before they would be allowed to enter the main part of the building.

Staff had received additional training in infection prevention and control and the use of PPE including masks, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser.

There were sufficient stocks of PPE available and staff were seen to be wearing PPE appropriately.

People and staff took part in regular COVID-19 'whole home' testing. People and staff who tested positive followed national guidance and self-isolated for the required amount of time.

Cleaning schedules and procedures had been enhanced to include more frequent cleaning of touch points such as handrails and light switches.

The provider had developed specific COVID-19 policies and procedures which had been reviewed and updated where necessary in line with the latest guidance.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found