Amberley House - Plymouth

We found the following examples of good practice.

The management team were continuing to support staff to contain the COVID-19 outbreak at the service. Daily oversight and careful management of staffing levels had meant there had been no staff shortages.

Staffing levels were being supported by the services own workforce working additional hours. In recognition of this additional commitment those working additional hours were paid overtime. The registered manager said; "All staff have been brilliant and covered all shifts without the use of agency. This has helped protect people."

The service was following current guidance in relation to visiting in care homes during the current outbreaks of COVID-19. Visits to people in receipt of end of life care were made possible. Visits had been arranged for relatives via the 'Visitor Pod'. The service had closed to visitors at the start of the outbreak, on the advice of the local authority. The visitor's pod had also stayed closed due to lack of staffing to manage the cleaning and supervising of the visitor's pod. This was, the staff and management stated, to keep people as safe as possible. Bookings where now being taken. A relative said; "The only time visiting stopped was this month when they first had the outbreak and this as because the home was short staffed due to staff being off isolating with COVID."

One relative told us they understood the need for the restrictions in place, and were confident staff were taking appropriate steps to manage the outbreak of COVID-19. They said; "Staff have done their utmost to facilitate visiting and keep us informed of any changes to where we will see our relative." They went onto say; "We have been able to visit throughout COVID, sometimes in the pod and sometimes in [person's name] bedroom, depending on the relevant guidance at the time."

We spoke to four people living in the service. One said; "My brother comes to see me twice a week", while another said; "My relatives come to see me, and we sit in the warm." Two others confirmed they had regular visits from family members.

The service was in the process of making one person a designated essential care giver. This is a person who can provide companionship, but also additional care and support. They can visit more often and during periods of COVID-19 outbreak.

The service had a committed staff team who ensured people received care and support in a safe and hygienic environment. People were supported in the service in accordance with national guidance. The staff team supported people and their relatives to understand the policies and procedures surrounding

protection against COVID-19.

Cleaning staff confirmed that cleaning regimes had been changed as a result of COVID, such as regular cleaning of high contact touch points and the cleaning of the visiting pod between each visit.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) was available to all staff and visitors. Staff and people living at the service were regularly tested for COVID-19.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found