Wardington House Nursing Home

The provider had researched the most effective personal protective equipment and as a result had invested in powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) for staff to wear if providing care to people who had suspected or confirmed COVID 19. These respirator masks provided staff with the highest level of protection. The matron had delivered practical training to 88 care staff in small groups, so they could get used to wearing the respirator helmets and for people to get used to seeing staff in the respirators. Staff felt very well supported and protected by the provider.

The provider had implemented enhanced cleaning, including cleaning of regular contact points, four times a day. The provider had researched environmental decontamination and invested in three hydroxyl generators to keep the environment clear of bacterial and viral particles. Hydroxyls are safe naturally- occurring molecules created in the air by ultraviolet light form the sun. The generators create hydroxyls indoors and do not harm the occupants of a building. Hydroxyls destroy viruses and other bacteria in the air, on furniture, furnishings, or any other surfaces. The nurses had a system to rotate this equipment around the home to ensure all areas were covered.

The provider had created an isolation unit in an area of the home which was designated for people with suspected or confirmed COVID 19. The nurses used creative ways to keep staff knowledge current, including COVID 19 quizzes and online video clips of information. There were also regular handwashing training exercises to demonstrate to staff the importance of effective handwashing.

The provider had registered for regular testing of care staff with the government. When there was a delay in the supply of government testing kits, the provider had paid privately to have staff tested.

The provider had regularly written to relatives to keep them up to date on infection control measures. There were systems in place to enable relatives to visit all people outside and some people inside.

The provider had regularly written to staff thanking them for their hard work and stressing the importance of social distancing outside of work and the importance of good infection control.

The provider had robust systems in place to ensure that new people moving in, or people returning from hospital did not bring COVID 19 into the home. This included people being cared for in the isolation area of the home until they had received a test.

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