Barnfold Cottage Residential Home

We found the following examples of good practice. There were policies, procedures and a range of information available, which provided staff with clear guidance about good infection control practices, including the management of COVID-19 and visiting arrangements during the pandemic.

Government guidance was being followed in relation to isolation criteria and testing programmes for service users, staff and visitors. We spoke with one person who was visiting a relative at the time of our inspection. Their visit took place in a designated room, which had an ample supply of PPE available. We also spoke with other family members by telephone. All relatives spoken with confirmed they made appointments to visit their loved ones and demonstrated negative COVID-19 testing prior to their visit. They wore face masks during visits and were encouraged to use hand sanitiser.

All employees and service users had received both COVID-19 vaccinations and their booster doses. All staff had completed specific training in relation to infection control and the management of COVID-19.

A cleaner was employed at the home. However, as the service was of a domestic setting all staff were responsible for domestic duties and cleaning schedules were in place. The environment was clean and hygienic throughout and fully stocked Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stations were provided in the entrance hall and on both floors of the home. We were told enough supplies of PPE were available and we saw staff wearing PPE correctly.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found