Rushwell House

We found the following examples of good practice. Safe arrangements were in place for visitors to the service including professionals and others. This included taking a Rapid Flow Device (LFD) before the visit, showing evidence of full vaccination, a temperature check and a sign in process.

Hand washing, hand sanitisation, social distancing and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) was encouraged. These measures helped keep people using the service, staff and visitors stay safe.

Staff received infection control training and specific training on reducing the risks of the transmission of COVID-19. Training included good handwashing practices and the procedure for safely putting on and taking off PPE (donning and doffing).

Staff had access to enough supplies of PPE including disposable facemasks, face visors, gloves, aprons and disinfectant wipes. Hand sanitiser stations were available throughout the home in communal and private areas and used PPE was disposed of safely to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

Routine testing for COVID-19 was in place for all people using the service and staff and swift action was taken should anyone receive a positive result.

Systems were in place to ensure cleaning schedules were followed. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection took place throughout the home to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. This included regular cleaning of frequently touched areas, such as light switches, call bells, door handles and handrails.

Systems were in place to ensure staff and visitors to the service were kept up to date with current COVID-19 guidance. Policies, procedures, risk assessments and guidance relating to COVID-19 were up to date. Infection control audits and checks regularly took place and the provider had oversight of infection prevention and control processes.

COVID-19 outbreaks followed current guidance and advice from the healthcare protection team (HPT) to contain and manage outbreaks. This included, isolation and cohorting in response to outbreaks to manage the spread of infection. People were supported to isolate in their own rooms when necessary.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found