Riverview Lodge

Everyone entering the home was required to wash and sanitise their hands and received a temperature check before being allowed to leave the reception area. All staff and visitors were required to don personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, and disposable gloves and aprons, where appropriate, before entering any part of the home. Visitors were required to demonstrate a negative lateral flow test (LFT) for COVID-19 prior to entering any of the units at the home.

Visiting for people from family and friends was consistent with current government guidance. Visits were arranged by appointment to enable staff to have time to sanitise areas after each visit. Staff had used laptop computers/tablets to enable people to keep in touch with friends and family where they or their loved ones were isolating. A faith representative had visited the home regularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

All staff were required to demonstrate a negative lateral flow test result before commencing work shifts. The provider paid full salary to staff who were required to isolate following a positive test result to ensure they were not financially disadvantaged.

All staff received training on COVID-19, infection control and the safe use of PPE. The home had sufficient stocks of PPE.

Members of the housekeeping team were observed cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as light switches and door handles throughout the day. Seats and tables in communal areas were immediately cleaned after use. Care staff carried out these cleaning tasks during the evenings and at weekends. This helped prevent and control infection within the home.

Staff were rostered to work in specific units at all times. Activities were repeated in each unit so that small groups of people could participate with their regular staff members in a socially distanced way.

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