Porthgwara Nursing Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

The service was clean throughout, and there were appropriate procedures to ensure any infection control risks were minimised. All communal areas had safe distancing seating arrangements. Regular discussions took place between staff and people to ensure they understood the reasons for social distancing. People who had limited capacity were sensitively encouraged to safe distance by staff.

Clear signage and sanitiser dispensers were in place around the service. Information notices were informative and highlighted what PPE was required to protect people and if any person living in the service was at higher risk.

The service was currently closed to visitors following government guidance. However, they had facilitated visits in the summer, for example window visits as all bedrooms oversaw a patio area which could be accessed without entering the home. They had also constructed a building called the 'Pavilion', in the garden area, which protected people from the elements. The Pavilion had a sealed Perspex divider with two separate entry points. PPE was offered and this enabled people to arrange appointments to see residents with the support of staff, while protecting them from the risk of infection. Staff also helped people to stay in touch with family and friends through phone and video calls. We saw a staff member reading a letter to a person during our visit.

People at high risk and those wishing to remain in their own rooms were supported by staff to occupy themselves. Staff provided activities whilst maintaining people's safety.

The registered manager was communicating with people, staff and family members regularly to make sure everyone understood procedures and precautions being taken, and how to keep people safe.

The registered manager worked with the whole staff team to ensure infection prevention and control measures were in place. This included a review of the staffing areas to ensure that staff could take staggered breaks in a designated and safe area. Staff dedicated changing area included individual storage space for staff clothes and shoes. Uniforms were laundered on the premises to reduce the risk of cross infection.

Cleaning and infection control policies and procedures had been updated in line with Covid-19 guidance to help protect people, visitors and staff from the risk of infection. The registered manager kept up to date with appropriate training in infection control. The registered provider arranged and delivered training for staff to

ensure they knew how to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suitable testing routines had been arranged for staff and people who used the service. The registered manager said both staff and people who used the service had been happy to participate in regular testing.

Robust admission procedures were in place, for example, the service required documentary evidence of negative Covid-19 test results before people moved in, followed by a period of self-isolation.

The service had comprehensive policies and procedures in respect of Covid 19 and its implications on the running of the service. From our discussions and observations these had been effectively implemented.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found