Magdalene House

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider and registered manager had comprehensive processes to minimise the risk to people, staff and visitors from catching and spreading infection. These included weekly testing of staff, and a specially created 'socially-distanced pod' in the garden area so that visitors could visit their loved ones safely. Sanitiser and PPE were available throughout the home. There were signs in the home to promote the use of PPE and regular use of hand sanitisers.

Infection control policy and people's risk assessments had been completed and revised following the pandemic so that people were protected in the event of becoming unwell or in the event of a covid 19 outbreak in the home. On one admission to the home, the registered manager insisted that the person was tested before admission into the home and another had to be isolated in line with Public Health England guidance. There was innovative use of social media and electronic tablets to communicate with health professionals to promote people's physical health. People's mental well being had been promoted by 'easy to use' video conferencing that relatives and friends could easily access.

The registered manager was participating in a comprehensive home testing process and had completed testing for people and staff. They had comprehensive knowledge of good practice guidance and had attended Covid 19 webinars hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. They had sufficient staff to provide continuity of support and ensure safeguards were in place should there be a staff shortage.

We saw Covid 19 policies and procedures were in place and current. They were regularly reviewed when guidance changed. The home was clean and hygienic. All staff had received Covid 19 related supervision and had access to appropriate support to manage their wellbeing should it be required.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found