Dial House Nursing and Residential Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

The registered manager had a clear visiting procedure in place, and this was reviewed in line with government guidelines. People had been asked to name one visitor for indoor visiting, and on arrival to the home, the visitor undertook a series of checks which included: a health declaration, temperature check and a rapid COVID-19 test prior to entry.

The registered manager told us that planned garden, window and screened visits continued for people to have further contact with those who were important to them. This was in addition to supported telephone and video calls which provided additional communication opportunities.

Health and Social Care Professionals and visiting contractors were also requested to undertake a series of checks in line with current requirements before entering the home.

The registered manager told us that a 'COVID-19 co-ordinator role' had been developed in response to the pandemic. The role allowed for focused oversight of routine testing, staff training, information sharing and health promotion which had proved beneficial for people living at the service.

Staff had a good supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and this was monitored by a named employee. Staff were observed to be wearing PPE appropriately and where required. Additional staff breaks were encouraged by the registered manager in response to PPE associated fatigue.

The care home appeared clean, fresh and well ventilated on the day of inspection.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found