The Orchard Trust - Sevenoaks

We found the following examples of good practice.

A variety of safe visiting options was available and thorough checks were completed before visitors entered the service. The service worked closely with people's relatives to assess and mitigate infection control and prevention risks associated with visits to people's family homes.

People were supported to maintain social distancing through effective use of communal and personal spaces, staggered activities and relaxation periods.

There had been no vacancies at the service during the pandemic. Staff had followed national guidance to ensure people returned from hospital safely.

Testing was carried out in-line with national guidance.

A deep cleaning and surface cleaning programme was followed by staff. Recruitment to a vacancy for a domestic/cleaner for Sevenoaks was in progress. A domestic staff member, usually employed at another of the provider's services, was allocated to support enhanced cleaning measures employed during a recent outbreak.

The service acted proactively to manage and limit outbreaks, including ongoing zoning and cohorting of Larch and Rowan, to reduce infection transmission risks within the service. Staff worked closely with external agencies and health professionals and were supported to isolate on full-pay when a risk was identified.

Management plans, policies and procedures reflected best practice to support staff in minimising transmission risks and responding safely to outbreaks. The provider kept relatives informed of changes to national requirements and subsequent changes to their polices.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found