Stuart House

We found the following examples of practice that required improving During our inspection we found the handling of laundry required improving. This was because clean laundry was being stored in the laundry area. We also identified the laundry area had a sluice although we were informed this was not in use. We recommend the provider reviews their approach in the handling of laundry to prevent the spread of infections. Prior to our inspection we had received concerns that not all staff had received a vaccination in line with the governments condition of deployment. We found one member of staff required their COVID-19 vaccine. The registered manager confirmed the member of staff had completed their exemption form and would receive their vaccination before their exemption form was due to expire.

During our inspection we found the building to be clean and odour free. However, cleaning schedules were not always completed to demonstrate enhanced cleaning had taken place to high touch points such as banisters and door handles or what cleaning staff had undertaken within the afternoon shift. We raised this with the registered manager so they could address this shortfall.

We found the following examples of good practice. We spoke to people and asked them if they were happy with the care and support, they received. One person told us, "Very good. Nice staff. Helpful and kind". One relative told us, "Staff are nice. Nothing has ever been a problem".

The registered manager confirmed COVID-19 had impacted the service and during this time they had resorted in using agency staff. The service had also had a number of vacancies which the registered manager confirmed at the time of this inspection had now been filled. Staff and people confirmed improvements were being made to the staffing. People told us, "It's been difficult because of COVID-19. Not always been enough staff". Another person when asked if there were enough staff told us, "Yes, there is enough staff". Staff told us, "We use agency staff" and "Staffing is better now. We've all had COVID-19 but the staff are all lovely to work with and there is a good staff morale. Things are starting to improve now".

People were supported by staff who had received infection prevention control training and who wore personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Staff and visitors had access to PPE. Staff told us, "We have plenty of PPE" and "We use surgical masks, gloves and aprons. There is plenty". One relative told us, "I always wear a mask". Systems were in place to ensure staff and visitors had COVID-19 checks undertaken in line with government guidance. This included a negative lateral flow test and a temperature check under- taken prior to the start of their shift or visit.

People had visits from their loved ones and were supported to keep in touch at other times. One person told us, "My [Family] visit and ring all the time". Relatives told us, "I can ring if needed" and one person who was

an essential care giver said, "I visit every day".

The five questions we ask about services and what we found