Cedar House

Cedar House can support up to six people. At the time of this visit, six people were living at the home.

We found the following examples of good practice.

● Information was available to all visitors which specified the processes in place to facilitate safe visits. A designated visiting area was available to support safe visits, which was accessible through a side entrance which minimised foot fall through the main home, minimising risk of transmission of infection.

● Where other visitors arrived at the home such as health and social care professionals, they were screened for symptoms of COVID-19, asked to completed lateral flow device tests, provide proof of vaccination and were provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This enabled the service to protect people, staff and visitors.

● In addition, the service also has an open garden area with separate access to allow safe visiting, weather permitting.

● The service ensured all staff received appropriate training, support and guidance throughout the pandemic period. Observation and reflective practices were used to assess staff competency in these areas.

● Staff were observed to be wearing PPE in line with government guidance and the providers policy.

● COVID-19 care plans and individualised risk assessments had been completed for people, which considered risks associated with their health and medical support in relation to COVID-19. The assessment also provided guidance to staff on how minimise risk. The care plan also included information on people's care and support needs and how they wished to be supported especially in relation to COVID-19.

● The service monitored and screened people living at the home and staff daily for any signs or symptoms of possible infection. This enabled the service to take immediate action if anyone was identified with symptoms of COVID-19 to prevent and minimise the risk of transmission.

● People and staff had access to regular COVID-19 testing as per government and Public Health England guidance.

● New staff rotas had been devised to minimise staff movement across services especially where active outbreaks had been identified within the providers other registered locations. This minimised and prevented the risk of transmission.

● The home was clean and hygienic. Robust cleaning processes in place followed the providers Infection Prevention and Control policy and procedures. Overall cleaning responsibilities was the responsibility of the entire staff team to ensure good infection prevention and control.

● The provider followed current guidance and directives in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. All information was shared with all staff through regular meetings and daily handovers.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found