Brook Lane Rest Home

Brook Lane Rest Home is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided.

We found the following examples of good practice.

• In addition to standard PPE, the provider had purchased disposable and fluid repellent polythene 'visitor coats'. These provided further protection when there was a risk of a person living with dementia being unable to follow social distancing guidance or making physical contact with a member of staff or a visitor to the service. • Staff wore disposable 'do not disturb' tabards when administering people's medicines. • Staff used sanitary wipes as a less intrusive means of supporting people to maintain good hand hygiene. This had proved particularly effective for people who lived with dementia.

• The registered manager considered the COVID-19 testing schedule when rotas were planned. Where possible, staff worked in blocks following a negative COVID-19 test. Staff were then tested again before or during a break from work, so that the result was known prior to them returning to work. • A member of the management team was responsible for coordinating COVID-19 testing for people. Using their skills and knowledge of people's needs and preferences, they had established techniques to enable all people living at the service to participate in the COVID-19 testing programme.

• The housekeeping team used UV light to identify areas that were frequently touched by people and to ensure that cleaning was being carried out effectively. • Near Field Communication (NFC) tags had been placed on all items requiring cleaning. Staff scanned the NFC tags with their electronic devices and recorded any cleaning tasks completed. Handling of paper records had therefore reduced and cleaning schedules were audited electronically.

• The provider's Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policy considered cultural and religious needs. The policy described measures to meet needs whilst still minimising IPC risks.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found