The Worthies

We found the following examples of good practice.

Staff greeted visitors at the entrance to the home and took their temperature and ensured they were wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Arrangements for visiting were displayed clearly so health and social care professionals, friends and family knew what was expected of them to keep people safe.

Visitors had to leave their contact details as part of a track and trace and complete a health declaration and show a negative lateral flow test. Vaccination status was checked for all contractors and health and social care professionals in line with legislation that had come into effect in November 2021.

There were separate zoned areas for putting on and removing PPE, and suitable arrangements for their disposal. There was hand sanitizer, gloves and aprons placed in different areas of the home for ease of access.

The environment had been adapted by moving furniture to enable social distancing. The home had two double bedrooms. The registered manager and the regional manager told us these had not been used during the pandemic and were single occupancy only. Daily activities were organised for people to help with their wellbeing. People looked well cared for and expressed satisfaction about their care and support.

People were supported to see friends and family in accordance with government guidance. People and their relatives had been asked who their named visitors would be. Essential Care Givers (named relative) were supported to visit during the recent outbreak and where people were end of life relatives were also supported to spend time with their loved one. There was also a garden visitors' pod to enable visits as some relatives preferred not to come into the home. Relatives we contacted were satisfied on how the staff and management had managed the pandemic and kept their loved ones safe and the communication that was in place. They said this had improved since the new registered manager had commenced in post.

The provider and registered manager had ensured that staff had up to date information to keep people and staff safe. The registered manager demonstrated a good understanding of the guidance to minimise risks in respect of the pandemic.

All staff had received additional infection prevention and control training, and this had been updated in the last four weeks as the provider had introduced a new training provider. Checks were completed to ensure staff were wearing the correct person protective equipment (gloves, aprons) in accordance with the government guidance. This included hand washing.

There were clear policies, procedures, quality assurance checks and contingency plans in place in respect of managing the pandemic and keeping people and staff safe.

The registered manager told us before the inspection that the lift was being replaced and this would take up to three weeks. Contingency plans were in place. Staffing was being increased at peak times such as mealtimes. We were told this was being increased from three care staff to four care staff to ensure people received safe and effective care. A bedroom had been made into a lounge area on the top floor to prevent isolation of people in this area.

The registered manager and the regional manager said they had not experienced workforce pressure and contingency plans were in place to ensure suitable numbers of staff were working in the home.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found